Therapeutic potential of Angelica sinensis derivatized carbon dots in ameliorating chemotherapy-induced anemia

Abstract

Aplastic anemia, a prevalent disorder of the hematopoietic system, may develop as a result of bone marrow suppression induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Given its iatrogenic nature, the identification of affordable and effective therapeutic interventions remains a clinical priority. Angelica sinensis Radix (ASR) has been widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for anemia management and is supported by extensive clinical application. The aim of the present study is to examine the physicochemical characteristics of A. sinensis Radix-derived carbon dots (ASR-CDs) and to evaluate their therapeutic effects on hematopoietic injury in murine models exposed to chemotherapeutic agents. ASR-CDs were synthesized via calcination of ASR. The resulting nanomaterials were characterized in terms of particle morphology and surface functional groups. A Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess biocompatibility. A zebrafish anemia model was employed to compare the anti-anemic efficacy of ASR-CDs with that of other therapeutic agents. A murine model of hematopoietic injury was established using cyclophosphamide and busulfan to investigate the effects of ASR-CDs on hematopoietic function. ASR-CDs displayed a nanoscale particle size range (1.444–4.006 nm) and surface groups including amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl functionalities. Cellular assays involving RAW264.7 cells indicated no cytotoxicity, indicating favorable biosafety. In the zebrafish anemia model, ASR-CDs demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating anemia compared to other tested agents. In mice, ASR-CDs significantly diminished chemotherapy-induced reduction in body weight, immune organ indices (liver, spleen, thymus), and peripheral blood cell counts (white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets). Furthermore, ASR-CDs modulated hematopoiesis-related serum factors, with higher dosages producing more pronounced regulatory effects. ASR-CDs exerted a beneficial effect on chemotherapy-induced anemia. These results support the therapeutic potential of herbal-derived carbon dots and highlight the applicability of nanomaterials in pharmaceutical development.