Traditional Remedy with possible antl-hepatocarclnogenlc potential

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a decoction (DC) comprised of Nigella sativa seeds, Hemidesmus indicus root, and Srnilax glabra rhizome can protect against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocarcinogenesis (HC) as assessed by (i). Glutathione S-transferase P form (GST-P) expression in rat hepatocytes, and (ii). tumour development in rat livers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND METHODS: (i). Six groups of 10 rats each were used. Groups 1-4 were administered DEN (200mg/kg, i.p). Groups 1 and 2 received orally, DC at 4g/kg /day, and 6g/kg /day, respectively. Groups 3 and 4 received respectively, distilled water (DW), and garlic (20 g/kg /day). Groups 5 and 6 served as the Normal controls and DC controls, respectively. The number, area and staining intensity of GST-P + foci and the number of cells/cm2 of the + foci were recorded. (ii). Two groups of 6 rats each were injected with DEN (200mg/kg). Group 1 was fed with DC (6g/kg/day) for 16 months while group 2 received only DW. Livers were examined for overt tumours (OT) / tumour like lesions. Results; (i). The number and area of DEN- mediated GST-P positive foci, number of cells/cm of foci and staining intensity of the foci were significantly (P>0.001) reduced by the decoction and garlic in the order dose 2 = garlic >dose 1. (ii). OTs / tumour like lesions were observed in all DW fed rats but not in DC treated rats. CONCLUSION: The DC comprised of N. sativa, S. glabra and H. indicus has the potential to protect rat liver against DEN induced hepatocarcinogenesis.