Protective effect of Morinda citrifolia L. (fruit extract) on methotrexate-induced toxicities—hematological and biochemical studies

Abstract

AbstractMethotrexate (MTX) has been widely used as an anticancer drug. It acts as a folic acid analog, inhibits purine and pyrimidine synthesis, which accounts for its efficacy in the therapy of cancer as well as for some of its toxicities. The present study is an attempt of modulating MTX-induced toxicities using aqueous extract of Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) as a nutritional supplement. Hematological parameters such as RBC, WBC, and platelet count that decreased (p < 0.05) after methotrexate injection was found to have been restored in rats co-treated with Noni. Enhanced levels of lipid peroxides (p < 0.05) in animals administered with MTX showed significant revision after co-administration of Noni. Alterations of other biochemical constituents in blood like glucose, urea, uric acid, and cholesterol (p < 0.05) were also reversed to near normal levels in animals co-treated with Morinda citrifolia L. The study provides preliminary evidence that Morinda citrifolia L. extract can ameliorate MTX mediated si...