Protective role of nimbolide against chemotherapeutic drug hydroxyurea induced genetic and oxidative damage in an animal model.

Nimbolide is known to be an antioxidant found in neem plant. Hydroxyurea is a medication frequently used in sickle-cell disease, different cancers and HIV infection. The present study aimed to evaluate the adverse effect of HU and possible amelioration by nimbolide in Wistar rats. To test our hypothesis, we performed genotoxicity tests, biochemical assays, and histopathological studies. We observed that HU caused higher levels of genotoxicity in the treated animals. The observed genetic and oxidative damage might be due to the presence of reactive species as HU increased the level of the malondialdehyde-a biomarker of oxidative damage. Interestingly, co-treatment of animals with HU and nimbolide showed a lower level of damage. We conclude that nimbolide significantly protects the cells from the adverse effect of HU and could be considered as a potential adjuvant for the patients under HU therapy.