Effect of a Dual-Formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus Extract on Expression of APC and P53 Genes in Benzene-Induced Haematotoxicity in Wistar Rats

The leaves of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus are potential therapeutic agents; studies have explored their role in modulating gene expression. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of a dual formula of Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus extracts on p53 and APC genes in benzene-induced haematotoxicity in Wistar rats. The study involved 60 male Wistar rats, divided into six groups, to evaluate the effect of a Picralima nitida and Cymbopogon citratus leaf extract blend on p53 and APC mRNA levels. The groups were: control (A), benzene (B), cyclophosphamide (C), and benzene with 100 mg/kg (D), 200 mg/kg (E), or 400 mg/kg (F) of the extract. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used to measure gene expression. The result showed that groups B and C exhibited elevated p53 expression compared to the control, with Group C showing a higher increase than Group B. Regarding APC expression, Group C had higher levels than Groups A and B. In contrast, Groups D, E, and F exhibited reduced APC expression compared to Groups A and C (p <0.05). In conclusion, the dual-formula extract demonstrated therapeutic potential by modulating p53 and APC gene expression and alleviating oxidative stress.