Influence of aqueous extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum on the progression of cancer in diethylnitrosamine induced rat liver

Cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylancium) has been used to investigate its effect on anti-oxidant status, alpha feto protein, serum transaminases and histology of Liver in Diethylnitrosamine induced rats. Wistar strain albino rats weighing 130-250 grams weight, were divided into five groups of five animals each. A low dose of 0.5 mg/100g BW/day and high dose of 1.0 mg/100g BW/day twice a week as intraperitoneal injection was fixed for DEN, while cinnamon was supplemented at a dosage of 0.2ml/100g BW/day daily orally. Group I served as normal control and received normal saline 1ml/100gm BW/day for 45 days. Group II given low dose DEN for 45 days. Group III given high dose DEN for 45 days. Group IV given low dose DEN + Cinnamon supplementation, while Group V given high dose DEN + Cinnamon supplementation. At the end of the experimental period, all the animals were sacrificed, blood collected and processed for the analysis of anti-oxidant enzymes, alpha feto protein and serum transaminases. Body is opened and Liver was removed and assessed for histopathology. A significant increase in the activity of SOD, CAT, GSH, GPX, and GST have been observed in DEN treatment groups. Likewise, cinnamon supplementation is seen to bring about an overall slight increase in the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH and GPX. The level of TBARS was significantly increased in DEN treated as well as cinnamon supplemented groups. The level of AFP was seen to be significantly increased in both the DEN treated groups and supplementation with cinnamon increased the level of AFP in the low dose while a significant increase can be seen in the high dose supplementation group. A significant increase in the activities of transaminases in both the DEN treated groups was observed. Cinnamon supplementation Treatment with high dose of DEN was observed to increase the activity of ALP, with a decrease in the low dose DEN group. Supplementation with cinnamon seems to increase the ALP activity in both the dosages in a dose dependant way. Histological results showed the presence of large tumour cells in trabecular formation, atypic nuclei showing high mitotic activity and severe hepatocyte necrosis in liver. Supplementation with cinnamon improves the histoarchitecture of hepatic cells with slight regeneration of tubular structure, restoration of nuclear shape with presence of dense glycogen granules.