Chemopreventive efficacy of hesperetin (citrus flavonone) against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced rat colon carcinogenesis

Background: Colorectal carcinogenesis is one of the most common cancers/lethal diseases. Chronic inflammation is considered a risk factor for colorectal cancer. Hesperetin, a flavonone found in citrus fruits and oranges is shown to possess potent growth inhibitory effects against various human cancer cells. It possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.Aim of the scope: In the present study, we have evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy of hesperetin against rat colon carcinogenesis in male Wistar rats.Methods: Group 1 served as control, received modified pellet diet and group 2 rats received 20 mg/kg body weight of hesperetin p.o. every day. Groups 3–6 rats were given subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 15 consecutive weeks. In addition, rats in group 4 received hesperetin as in group 2 for the first 15 weeks (initiation), group 5 rats received hesperetin as in group 2 after the last injection of DMH and continued till the end of the e...