Alkaloidal Extract Improves CCl-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Like Phenotypes in Rats.

Background: Despite the enrollment of new small molecules such as Sorafenib for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), HCC still remains a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality and morbidity globally. is long suspected of possessing anticancer bioactive compounds that may hold the prospect of adjunctive therapy against inflammation-related cancers such as HCC.

Objective: This study assessed the effects of an alkaloidal extract of the leaves of on CCl/olive oil (1 : 1 v/v)-induced HCC-like phenotypes in rats.

Materials And Methods: alkaloidal extract (ZZAE) was prepared using Soxhlet and liquid-liquid extraction methods. Subsequently, ZZAE was characterized phytochemically. In the curative method, experimental HCC was established in adult (8-10 weeks old) male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 150-300 g by twice-daily administration of CCl/olive oil (1 : 1 v/v) (2 mL/kg ). After confirmation of experimental HCC in rats, the rats were randomly reassigned into seven (7) groups of seven (7) rats each and treated daily for 12 weeks as follows: control (normal saline, 5 ml/kg ), model (CCl, 5 ml/kg, ), ZZAE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg ), carvedilol (6.25 mg/kg ), and 20% Tween20 (1 mL/rat, ). To assess whether ZZAE has a prophylactic (preventive) effect, rats were first treated with ZZAE and later exposed to CCl reconstituted in olive oil.

Results: ZZAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) and carvedilol decreased tumor incidence compared to that of control. Compared to control, ZZAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly ( < 0.05) improved serum GGT. Compared to control, ZZAE improved hepatohistological distortions induced by CCl/olive oil and also improved liver/body weight ratio. Compared to water, ZZAE arrested mitosis in the assay.

Conclusion: ZZAE ameliorated CCl/olive oil-induced HCC-like phenotype in rats and demonstrated general hepatoprotective effects by improving liver and kidney function markers. This finding rationalizes the need for further studies on ZZAE as a potential source of bioactive anti-HCC compounds.