Preventive Effect of Shorea Robusta Bark Extract against Diethylnitrosamine -Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Antioxidants are one of the key players in tumorigenesis, several natural and synthetic antioxidants were shown to have anticancer effects. The aim of the present study is to divulge the preventive nature of Shorea robusta bark extract (SRBE) during diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver cancer in male Wistar albino rats. Administration of DEN to rats resulted in increased serum marker enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). The levels of lipid peroxides elevated with subsequent decrease in the tissue antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR). SRBE supplementation (500mg/kg body weight) significantly attenuated these alterations, thereby showing potent anticancer effect in liver cancer. These findings suggest that SRBE prevents lipid peroxidation, hepatic cell damage, and protects the antioxidant system in DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis.