The Aqueous Extract of Dacryodes edulis (Burseraceae) Leaves Inhibits Cell Proliferation Induced by Estradiol on the Uterus and Vagina of Ovariectomized Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Proliferation is a cellular process strongly linked to the genesis of cancer. Natural substances with antiproliferative activities are currently potential alternatives in the treatment of cancers. Dacryodes edulis, for instance, is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the treatment of cancer. Scientific studies have reported the antioxidant activity of this plant. In addition, the presence of prostate cancer chemopreventive polyphenols was reported in D. edulis extracts. Therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves on cell proliferation induced by estradiol in ovariectomized female Wistar rats. In this regard, ovariectomized (OVX) rats were cotreated with estradiol valerate (E2V) (0.75 mg/kg) and the aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves. Control groups received either the vehicle (sham-operated animals and the OVX control), E2V (0.75 mg/kg) only, or E2V (0.75 mg/kg) and tamoxifen (10 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for 3 consecutive days, and animals were sacrificed thereafter. Epithelial heights of the uterus and vagina were assessed. Uterine levels of total cholesterol and estradiol were determined as well. Results showed that the aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves reversed the effects of estradiol as it reduced uterine weight ( p < 0.05 ), uterine ( p < 0.05 ), and vaginal ( p < 0.001 ) epithelium heights. This antiproliferative effect of D. edulis was associated with reduced tissue (uterine) levels of estradiol ( p < 0.001 ). These results suggest that the aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves could be a potential alternative treatment for proliferation-related diseases.

Aqueous Extract of Dacryodes edulis (Burseraceae) Leaves Inhibited Tumor Growth in Female Wistar Rats with 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-Induced Breast Cancer

“…e leaves, stem barks, and fruits of D. edulis were collected in Dschang (West region of Cameroon) in August 2018. ey were compared to the botanical sample of Letouzez R. N. 4685 registered at the Cameroon National Herbarium and the plant was authenticated under the number 5552 SRF/CAM (YA) [4].…”

“…e aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves was prepared following the method we have previously described [4,30,31]. Briefly, fresh and clean leaves of D. edulis were air-dried in the shade and ground.…”

“…ese types of cancers are made up of cells that express estrogen receptors and whose proliferation is stimulated by estrogens [4]. Estrogens are steroid hormones capable of promoting cell cancers growth and development [4], especially in estrogen-sensitive organs such as breast tissue.…”

“…is antioxidant capacity of D. edulis led some authors to suggest that this plant may help in preventing oxidative damage associated with cancer [28]. A phytochemical assay we recently performed [4] with the aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves indicated the presence of a wide range of bioactive compounds (flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and flavonols) endowed with antiproliferative and anticancer activities [29]. In addition, this plant extract was reported to inhibit cell growth and proliferation induced by estradiol on the uterus and vagina of female Wistar rats [4], supporting in part the hypothesis according to which this plant may help against cancer diseases [28].…”

“…A phytochemical assay we recently performed [4] with the aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves indicated the presence of a wide range of bioactive compounds (flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, and flavonols) endowed with antiproliferative and anticancer activities [29]. In addition, this plant extract was reported to inhibit cell growth and proliferation induced by estradiol on the uterus and vagina of female Wistar rats [4], supporting in part the hypothesis according to which this plant may help against cancer diseases [28]. In order to provide more scientific evidence to the probable anticancer potential of D. edulis, we propose to evaluate the effects of the aqueous extract of D. edulis leaves in animals with an already developed breast cancer.…”