Recent moderation of lympho-leukocyctic responses of acutely ultraviolet (UV) irradiated pre-pubertal rabbits (PR) by 2% organic turmeric (Curcuma longa) supplement raises the possibility of wider protective implications for other blood components. This study thus investigated UV effects on erythrocytic/hematologic indices (EHI) and platelet (PLT) functions in PR and compares acute and chronic effects of T thereon. The study was for 85days (d) in three (3) phased periods: 40d pre-irradiation, 5d irradiation and 40d post-irradiation in 60 acclimatized unsexed PR randomly assigned to 4 groups of 12 PR each as follows: Group 1, Control was fed un-supplemented diet and forage (Tridax procumbens) – basal diet (BD) for the entire study period without any treatment. Group 2 – T group (T+T+T) was fed BD supplemented with 2% pulverized crude T (BDS) during periods 1, 2 and 3, without irradiation. Group 3 – radiation (R) group (- +R+ -) was fed BD at periods 1, 2 and 3 and irradiated. Group 4 – therapeutic (H) group (- + R+T) was treated as in group 3 and fed BDS at period 3 only. Group 5 – prophylactic (P) group (T+TR+ -) was fed BDS during periods 1 and 2 only and irradiated. Feed and water were available ad libitum. Blood was collected on 86d from 0900h. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. UV significantly (p<0.05) suppressed RBC count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit as well as platelet function. BDS normalized these variables towards control values. H application of T significantly (p<0.05) elevated the variables to control values. A P application of T very significantly (p<0.05) elevated values of these variables relative to acutely treated PR. These results demonstrate that T whether applied acutely or chronically moderated, UV induced perturbation of EHI and PLT functions of these PR.
Keywords: Erythrocytic-Platelet-function, Rabbits, Therapy-Prophylaxis, Turmeric, Ultraviolet radiation
