Dose-Dependent Hematological Changes Induced by Cymbopogon flexuosus Aqueous Extract in Wistar Rats

Abstract

This study used male Wistar rats to evaluate the effects of subchronic oral administration of Cymbopogon flexuosus aqueous extract on hematological parameters, including packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), and platelet count (PLT). A total of 25 healthy male rats (150–180 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5): a control group (distilled water, 5 mL/kg), a Dulaglutide group (1.5 mg/kg), and three groups receiving C. flexuosus extract at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg. All treatments were given orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study and analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. Data were expressed as mean ± SE and analyzed using the Student’s t-test (SPSS v24, p < 0.05).Results showed that Dulaglutide significantly increased WBC (10.20 ± 0.68 vs. 7.54 ± 0.67 × 10³/µL, p = 0.036) and PLT (771.0 ± 26.49 vs. 607.4 ± 43.76 × 10³/µL, p = 0.013), while it decreased PCV (38.92 ± 1.48 vs. 42.66 ± 0.59%, p = 0.047) and Hb (13.90 ± 0.69 vs. 16.14 ± 0.15 g/dL, p = 0.013). Administration of C. flexuosus extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg did not cause significant hematological changes. However, at 200 mg/kg, the extract significantly reduced WBC (5.70 ± 0.31 vs. 7.54 ± 0.67 × 10³/µL, p = 0.038) and Hb (13.94 ± 0.77 vs. 16.14 ± 0.15 g/dL, p = 0.022), while PCV and PLT remained unaffected. These findings indicate that the aqueous extract of C. flexuosus is hematologically safe at doses below 100 mg/kg, but higher doses (200 mg/kg) may induce mild adverse effects, including behavioral changes. This suggests a narrow safety margin at elevated exposure levels.