Ziziphus spina-christi leaves methanolic extract alleviates diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Abstract

This study evaluated the antitumor activity of a methanolic extract from the leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi (ZSCL) against diethylnitrosamine (DENA)-induced hepatocarcinoma in rats. The phytochemical constituents, in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of ZSCL extract were investigated. Male Wistar rats were distributed among 6 groups: (i) normal control; (ii) ZSCL1-treated rats (100 mg/kg body mass; “b.m.”); (iii) ZSCL2-treated rats (300 mg/kg b.m.); (iv) rats with DENA-induced hepatocarcinoma; (v and vi) rats with hepatocarcinoma that were treated with either (v) ZSCL1 or (vi) ZSCL2. Serum liver function and levels of oxidative stress were assayed. The expression of hepatocyte growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, B cell lymphoma-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 oncogenes were quantified in liver samples. Histological examination of the liver tissues was performed. The ZSCL was rich in essential fatty acids, phytol, and polyphenolic flavones (luteolin and quercetin) with strong free-radical and peroxide scavenging activities and cytotoxic activity. Administration of ZSCL1 and ZSCL2 to the rats produced no toxic effects. DENA induced hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangioma by producing oxidative stress and upregulating the expression of hepatic oncogenes. Treatment of DENA-induced hepatocarcinoma with ZSCL2 ameliorated all of the abnormalities induced by DENA except for cholangioma. In conclusion, the ZSCL (300 mg/kg b.m.) displayed strong therapeutic activity against DENA-induced hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting oxidative stress and oncogenes.

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“…In addition, tumor onset was significantly delayed in the animals that received Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract. Consistent with the current study, methanolic Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract has been reported to protect Wistar rats from hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethyl nitrosamine (El-Din et al, 2019). Similarly, Ziziphus spina-christi fruit extract has been shown to protect animals from azoxymethane-induced colon cancer (Guizani et al, 2013).…”

Skin-Cancer Protective Effect of Ziziphus Spina-christi Leaf Extract: In vitro and in Vivo Models

“…In addition, tumor onset was significantly delayed in the animals that received Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract. Consistent with the current study, methanolic Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract has been reported to protect Wistar rats from hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethyl nitrosamine (El-Din et al, 2019). Similarly, Ziziphus spina-christi fruit extract has been shown to protect animals from azoxymethane-induced colon cancer (Guizani et al, 2013).…”

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts of whole and dehulled Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) seeds

“…The correlation of the phytochemicals with the TPC and the antioxidant activities in both the whole and dehulled seeds could imply that the relatively high antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of BGN might be as a result of its high phenolics which act as free radical scavengers or primary antioxidant 25 . Thus, methanolic extracts of BGN may prove to be beneficial (1) against gastric disorders 17 ; (2) on the lipid profile and antioxidant status of cells 15 ; (3) on induced diabetes in rats 19 , 20 ; and (4) on antioxidant and phytochemical activity 21 , 22 .…”

“…Major groups of phytochemicals based on their chemical structure include alkaloids, sulphur-containing phytochemicals, terpenoids and polyphenols. Many researchers have reported the effect of methanolic plant extracts (1) against gastric disorders 17 ; (2) on lipid profile and antioxidant status of cells 18 ; (3) effect on induced diabetes in rats 19 , 20 ; and (4) antioxidant and phytochemical activity 21 , 22 .…”