Methotrexate (MTX), once known as amethopterin, is a medication that suppresses immunity and acts as a chemotherapeutic agent. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including ectopic pregnancies, several types of cancer such as leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and gestational trophoblastic disease. The mechanism of MTX action involves the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can suppress bone marrow function, leading to an increased risk of infection and bleeding. Pancytopenia, a condition characterized by blood abnormalities, is the most common side effect.
Curcumin, a powerful antioxidant herb, has multiple beneficial properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, wound-healing, and antimicrobial activities. This study was designed to investigate the hematological effects of MTX and the impact of curcumin on the hematological changes induced by MTX in four groups of rats. The first group served as the control, the second group received curcumin, the third group received methotrexate, and the fourth group received both curcumin and methotrexate for one month. At the end of the study, bleeding time was measured, and blood samples from all rats were examined for complete blood count (CBC), platelet aggregation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.