Abstract
Introduction: Oxidative stress is largely implicated in a molecular mechanism involving initiation, development and progression of leukaemogenesis. Trevo (R) supplement is a multiherbal formula produced from various phytonutrients with antioxidant potential. We investigated the antioxidant activities of Trevo (R) supplement as a prospect for leukaemia treatment. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 36 Wistar rats weighing between 140 g and 160g. They were randomly divided into six groups. Group 1 (positive controls) were induced with 0.2 ml benzene chromosolv solution 48 hourly for 4 consecutive weeks and fed with rat pellets without Trevo (R) supplement. Group 2 (negative controls) received only rat pellets. Group 3 received only normal dose of Trevo (R) supplement with rat pellets. Groups 4, 5 and 6 were induced for 4 weeks followed with low-, moderate- and high-dose Trevo (R) supplement for 3 weeks with rat pellets, respectively. Glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), total protein (TP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) plasma concentrations were assayed simultaneously. Results: Induction of leukaemia was evidenced in positive controls by elevated total white blood cell counts (marked with lymphocytosis) and mild anaemia with reduced haemoglobin counts. Furthermore, GSH, CAT and TP levels for graded dosages of Trevo (R)-treated groups (following benzene induction) showed statistically significant elevations (P < 0.05) compared to the benzene-induced positive controls, whereas MDA and GGT levels with high-dose Trevo (R) treatment showed statistically significant reductions (P < 0.05) compared to the positive controls. Conclusions: Trevo (R) supplement exhibited profound antioxidant potential indicated by improvement from leukaemia after oral administration. This amelioration is believed to be associated with the nutritional supplement in a dose-dependent manner.