Trianthema portulacastrum restores the antioxidant defense enzyme levels and hepatic biotransformation patterns in experimental rat hepatocarcinogenesis

Abstract

The chloroform fraction of Trianthema portulacastrum L. has been found to be very effective in restoring glutathione levels and the levels of Phase I (cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase) and Phase II (UDPGT) enzymes, which undergo substantial changes during chemical rat hepatocarcinogenesis. Experimental heptocarcinogenesis was initiated by a single i.p. injection of Diethylnitrosoamine (DENA) at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight in 0.9% normal saline. A single administration of the carcinogen is adequate to evoke the appearance of a neoplasm after 22 weeks. Various fractions of T. portulacastrum (crude aqueous, [ethanolEtOH] fraction, chloroform-fractions) in the form of plant extracts were administered to the control as well as to the experimental animals at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight to the basal medium. After 22 weeks on this regimen, animals were sacrificed, and the different biomarkers were assayed from the hepatic tissues. The results obtained after treatment with the chloroform extract of T. portulacastrum were remarkable. The ethanol and crude aqueous extracts were less effective. Ethanol control, chloroform controls and Trianthema controls displayed similar values as that of normal untreated animals with regard to the different parameters tested. Our findings reflect strong anticarcinogenic potential of the chloroform extract of T. portulacastrum as far as these important biomakers are concerned.