Abstract
In this work, microscopic and histological studies suggest that Strobilanthes crispus ethanol extract reduce azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. S. crispus is considered a traditional medicine and used as an antioxidant. Its leaf contains a large amount of phenolic compounds to which its radical scavenging role is attributed and enhance its ability to eradicate oxidative stress reactions. The study was designed to determine the chemopreventive effect of S. crispus ethanol extract in vivo and in vitro by elucidating the effect of the extract on intermediate biomarkers which can be used as effective predictors of colon cancer. S. crispus was analyzed for DPPH free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) and ferric acid reduction. The results indicated that S. crispus oral administration significantly inhibited colorectal carcinogenesis induced by AOM as revealed by the reduction in the number of ACF. S. crispus down-regulated the expression of PCNA, Bcl2 and β-catenin. Additionally, it exerted a pronounced inhibitory effect on MDA and NO levels and stimulatory effect on CAT and GPx activities. These results demonstrate that S. crispus is a chemopreventive agent for colorectal cancer through the suppression of early and intermediate carcinogenic phases that may be related to its flavonoid content.
Highlights
Colorectal cancer is quite common and undoubtedly a major health problem among the Asian population[1]
The ability of S. crispus to reduce the free radical scavenging activity was tested by assaying DPPH
S. crispus ethanol extract eradicated the overproduction of oxygen free radicals and significantly recovered the DPPH free radical scavenging activity
Summary
Colorectal cancer is quite common and undoubtedly a major health problem among the Asian population[1]. Flavonoid-rich phytochemicals from green tea are emerging as therapeutic agents for cancer cases in preclinical and clinical studies[10] Their pharmacological effects relevant to cancer control have been reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in which Lorenz 201311 highlighted the active constituents of plant ethanol extracts and pinpointed the relevant mechanism of action. S. crispus herbal tea is known for its diuretic, laxative and antidiabetic properties[14] It contains highly bioactive compounds[15], which are reported to be responsible for its antioxidant[16] and antibacterial effects[17] and wound healing[18]; its anticancer[19] and anti-breast and anti-prostate cancer properties have been assessed[20]. Wasman and Mahmood reported the protective effect of S. crispus on gastric ulcers[21,22], but the potential effect of S. crispus for preventing colorectal cancer formation has not been studied
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