Publication

Abstract : Cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in humans throughout the world. Scientists all over the world are focusing on herbal medicines to boost immune cells of the body against cancer. The present study is aimed at evaluating the chemoprotective effect of. Leucas aspera in DEN induced and CCL4 promoted hepato-carcinogenesis in wistar rats. Two weeks after the starting of the experimental protocol all the rats except normal control received a single dose of CCl4 (2 ml/kg i.p.) to stimulate liver cells proliferation and regeneration. At the end of treatment protocol, blood samples were taken. The degree of protection was measured by evaluating antioxidant parameters; liver biochemical parameters were estimated to confirm the effect of toxicants on the liver as well as to check the chemoprotective potential of the extracts. Administration of DEN in animals showed an increased level of GGT which is indicative of hepatic carcinogenesis, an increase in ALP activity was also seen in animals who received DEN which may be due to altered synthesis of enzymes as in other hepatotoxicity conditions. Administration of extracts resulted in normalization of serum GGT level, lowering of AST and an ALT level shows the hepatoprotective effect and inhibition of carcinogenesis. A significant lowering of the activity of ALP indicates the inhibition of pre-cancerous transformation in the liver on hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extract treatment in DEN+CCL4 animals. The results thus indicate the chemo-preventive efficacy of both the extracts in decreasing cell proliferation and hepatic nodulogenesis. The results clearly indicate a significant chemopreventive effect of hydro-ethanolic and aqueous extract of Leucas aspera plant in rats.