Phytochemical Screening And Anticancer Efficacy Of Boerhavia Diffusa: A Study In Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Induced Rat Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52783/jns.v14.3107Keywords:
Alpha-fetoprotein, hepatocellular carcinoma, Boerhavia diffusa, β-sitosterolAbstract
Background: This study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant and anticancer activity of Boerhavia diffusa extract in rats with hepatocellular carcinoma.
Methods: To identify the essential bioactive components Boerhavia diffusa leaves were extracted using ethanol and subjected to GC-MS analysis. In male Sprague Dawley rats, hepatocellular cancer was induced with diethylnitrosamine and then with phenobarbitone. Boerhavia diffusa extract was administered to the induced rats with low dose (250 mg/kg) and high dose (500 mg/kg). Superoxide dismutase and catalase was measured to evaluate the antioxidant activity. Anticancer efficacy was measured by the changes in alpha-fetoprotein, white blood cells, haemoglobin, red blood cells and histopathological analysis of liver. GC-MS analysis confirmed the ethanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa contained phytoconstituents like vitamin E, phytol and β-sitosterol.
Results: Hemoglobin, WBC and RBC were significantly decreased in DEN induced group and recovered in extract administered group. The treated groups showed significantly higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, particularly CAT (1.49±0.092) and SOD (0.15±0.001), suggesting increased oxidative defense. Higher alpha-fetoprotein levels (6.97±0.623 ng/ml) were found in the carcinoma induced group and considerably lower level (4.43±0.521 ng/ml) was observed following the extract administration. Microscopic examination of the liver revealed restoration of hepatocytes in treated rats with less inflammation and reduced necrosis.
Conclusion: This research suggests that the ethanolic extract of Boerhavia diffusa reveals notable antioxidant and anticancer properties, indicating its potential as a treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Boerhavia diffusa was used in traditional medicine for liver diseases, have scientific evidence by the presence of bioactive phytochemicals.
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