Ayurveda-Based Botanicals as Therapeutic Adjuvants in Paclitaxel-Induced Myelosuppression

The study investigates the effects of Ayurveda botanicals, Asparagus racemosus (AR) and Withania somnifera (WS), as therapeutic adjuvants to counteract paclitaxel (PTX)-induced myelosuppression in BALB/c mice. Pre-administration of AR and WS extracts significantly prevents PTX-induced leukopenia and neutropenia, maintaining blood cell counts close to normal levels. These botanicals also reduce PTX-induced morbidity signs, such as reduced activity, hunched posture, huddling, and hair loss (alopecia). The study involved 10 mice per group and showed significant (p < 0.05) reductions in morbidity scores. Additionally, the botanicals modulated PTX-induced cytokine alterations, maintaining homeostasis by reducing the expression of cytokines like G-CSF, IL-1α, and increasing IL-13. The findings suggest that AR and WS can effectively mitigate the adverse effects of PTX, offering a potential safe therapeutic adjuvant for managing chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, and support the integration of Ayurveda-based botanicals in cancer treatment regimens. Further clinical investigations are warranted.