EFFECT OF METHANOL STEM BARK EXTRACT OF ANNONA SENEGALENSIS ON HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE ON DIETHYLNITROSAMINE-INDUCED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA IN RATS

Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a major cause of death worldwide and often leads to serious blood-related health problems. This study looks at how the methanol extract from the stem bark of Annona senegalensis can help protect the blood in rats with liver cancer caused by a chemical called diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Fifty-four male rats were divided into six groups: one normal group, one with liver cancer but no treatment, another with liver cancer treated with a standard drug (silymarin), and three groups treated with different doses of Annona senegalensis extract. The study measured important blood components, including red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (HGB), white blood cells (WBC), haematocrit (HCT), and platelets (PLT). The results showed that rats with liver cancer had lower levels of RBC, HGB, and PLT, which are signs of anaemia and blood clotting problems. However, treatment with Annona senegalensis, especially at a higher dose (400 mg/kg), improved these blood levels. The plant’s protective effects may be due to its natural compounds, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study suggests that Annona senegalensis could be a natural option to help manage blood-related problems in liver cancer. More research, including human studies, is needed to fully understand how it works and ensure it is safe for use.