Hematoprotective Effects of Quercetin and Hesperidin Flavonoids Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Alterations in Hematological Parameters in Male Wistar Albino Rats

Abstract

Environmental and chemical toxicants can adversely affect hematological homeostasis through inflammatory and oxidative processes. This study investigated the hematoprotective effects of quercetin and hesperidin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hematological alterations in male Wistar albino rats. Thirty rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 6): control, CCl₄, quercetin (2.4 mg/kg), hesperidin (2.4 mg/kg), and hesperidin (1.2 mg/kg) groups. Treatments were administered accordingly, and hematological parameters were evaluated using various standard methods. CCl₄ exposure produced marked alterations in leukocytic and erythrocytic indices. WBC increased from approximately 10.0 to 12.0 × 10⁹/L, while neutrophil and monocyte counts increased from approximately 1.1 to 1.9 × 10⁹/L and 1.0 to 2.8 × 10⁹/L, respectively. Conversely, RBC, HGB, and HCT decreased from approximately 7.1 × 10¹²/L, 13.4 g/dL, and 49% in controls to 6.7 × 10¹²/L, 12.3 g/dL, and 42%, respectively, following CCl₄ exposure. CCl₄ also reduced MCV from approximately 69 to 61 fL and increased platelet count from approximately 520 to 740 × 10⁹/L. Quercetin and hesperidin treatments attenuated several of these alterations, with improvements observed in leukocyte, erythrocyte, and platelet-related parameters. The findings indicate that quercetin and hesperidin possess potential hematoprotective activity against CCl₄-induced hematological disturbances, possibly through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Further studies are recommended to elucidate their mechanisms of action and therapeutic relevance. This study contributes evidence supporting the potential role of these flavonoids in mitigating chemically induced hematotoxicity.