A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON EFFECT OF BOERHAVIA DIFFUSA EXTRACT ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH POMEGRANATE EXTRACT AGAINST ANILINE-INDUCED SPLEEN TOXICITY IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Abstract

Background: Aniline, an industrial aromatic amine, induces oxidative stress and splenic damage through excessive free radical generation. Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava) possesses potent antioxidant properties, while Punica granatum (pomegranate) is rich in natural polyphenols with strong free radical scavenging activity. This study evaluated the protective effect of Boerhavia diffusa extract alone and in combination with pomegranate extract against aniline-induced spleen toxicity in experimental rats. Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=6): normal control, negative control (aniline 100 ppm), standard (citric acid 25 mg/kg), Boerhavia diffusa (100 mg/kg), Boerhavia diffusa (200 mg/kg), and combination of Boerhavia diffusa (200 mg/kg) with pomegranate extract (100 mg/kg). Physical, hematological, biochemical, antioxidant, membrane-bound ATPase, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test. Results: Aniline administration significantly increased oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide), organ weight, and histopathological damage while decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione), ATPase activities, and hemoglobin levels. Boerhavia diffusa treatment significantly ameliorated these alterations in a dose-dependent manner. The combination therapy exhibited superior protective effects by restoring antioxidant status, improving biochemical and hematological parameters, and preserving normal splenic architecture. Conclusion: Boerhavia diffusa possesses significant spleen-protective activity against aniline-induced toxicity, and its combination with pomegranate extract provides enhanced protection through synergistic antioxidant and cytoprotective effects. This herbal combination may serve as a promising natural therapeutic approach for preventing chemically induced splenic damage.