Dose-Dependent Effects of Artemisia herba-alba Extract on Hematological, Immunological, and Antioxidant Parameters in Male Rabbits

Abstract

Artemisia herba-alba is a medicinal plant of considerable interest because of its potential biological and antioxidant properties. The present study evaluated the effects of Artemisia herba-alba administration at doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg on hematological, immunological, and antioxidant biomarkers in rabbits. The hematological profile showed gradual increases in RBC count, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume, with RBCs increasing from 5.82 ± 0.34 ×10⁶/µL in controls to 6.10 ± 0.41 ×10⁶/µL at 300 mg/kg, while hemoglobin increased from 12.4 ± 0.6 to 13.2 ± 0.7 g/dL. WBC counts increased significantly from 7.15 ± 0.52 ×10³/µL in controls to 8.42 ± 0.61 ×10³/µL and 9.18 ± 0.74 ×10³/µL at 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively (p < 0.05). Lymphocyte percentages increased from 62.0 ± 3.1% to 69.2 ± 3.4%, whereas neutrophils decreased from 31.5 ± 2.4% to 25.5 ± 2.2% at the high dose (p < 0.05). Immunological biomarkers also increased significantly, with IgG rising from 14.2 ± 1.1 to 19.1 ± 1.5 mg/mL and IgM from 1.85 ± 0.19 to 2.48 ± 0.23 mg/mL (p < 0.05). Antioxidant enzyme activities increased markedly, with SOD increasing from 42.5 ± 3.2 to 59.4 ± 4.6 U/mL and CAT from 24.1 ± 2.0 to 33.8 ± 2.8 µmol/min/mg. Conversely, MDA decreased significantly from 4.85 ± 0.42 to 3.10 ± 0.29 nmol/mL (p < 0.05). Overall, Artemisia herba-alba administration was associated with dose-related changes in hematological and immune parameters, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and reduced MDA levels, with the most pronounced responses observed at 300 mg/kg.