Background: Mammary carcinogenesis remains a primary focus of oncology research, often accompanied by severe systemic disturbances, including altered hematological profiles. Calotropis gigantea (giant milkweed) is widely recognized in traditional medicine for its diverse pharmacological activities, including cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the modulatory effects of Calotropis gigantea extract on plasma hematological parameter in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced mammary carcinogenesis in female Charles Foster rats. 

Method: female Charles Foster rats were divided into three distinct experimental groups: control, DMBA induced, DMBA+ Calotropis gigantea milk extract treated. Mammary tumor was induced via a single oral dose of DMBA (15 mg/kg body weight). Following tumor development, the treated groups received oral administration of Calotropis gigantea milk daily for 6 weeks. At the end of experimental period, blood samples were collected to evaluate key plasma hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, white blood cell (WBC) count, and platelet count. 

Results: DMBA administration resulted in a significant drop in RBC count and Hb levels, indicating tumor-associated anemia, along with a pronounced rise in WBC count (leukocytosis), reflecting an ongoing inflammatory response to tumor progression. Conversely, treatment with Calotropis gigantea milk extract significantly modulated these alterations. The extract-treated groups demonstrated a remarkable restoration of RBC and HB levels toward baseline values and a controlled reduction in the elevated WBC counts, effectively suppressing DMBA –induced leukocytosis. 

Conclusion: The finding suggests that Calotropis gigantea extract, a potent modulator of the hematopoietic system, effectively mitigate the hematotoxic effects and systemic inflammation associated with DMBA –induced mammary carcinogenesis. This protective profile underscores its potential as a supportive therapeutic agent in breast cancer management, warranting deeper molecular investigation.