Piptandenia africana and Nauclea latifolia Protects Against Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatic Tumors in Wistar Rats

Abstract

We examined the effect of Piptandenia africana (PA) and Nauclea latifolia (NL) as phytoprotective candidates against N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced hepatic toxicities and tumorigenesis. Wistar’s rat were treated as follows: (1) Control, (2) DEN, (3) PA, (4)NL, (5)PA+NL, (6)DEN+ PA, (7)DEN+ NL, (8)DEN+PA+NL for 60 consecutive days. Hepatic transaminases were assessed in serum for hepatoxicity, in addition to bilirubin, blood glucose levels and hepatic antioxidants status. Furthermore, DEN-induced tumors were estimated, and sectioned for histopathological examination. Animals treated with DEN only, had mean tumor of five (T5), these were reduced to T2, T2 and T1.75 in groups VI, VII and VIII respectively. Blood glucose levels in DEN treated rats were lowest (87.5 ± 5.1) compared to other treated rats. Elevated markers of oxidative stress and decreases in antioxidant profile, suggests that group 2 animals were stressed oxidatively compared to other groups. Significantly higher markers of hepatic toxicity indicated DEN injuriousness was highest in DEN only treated animals. Limited histopathology indicated severe mononuclear cells infiltration of the portal triad, and multiple foci of hepatic necrosis in group 2 animals, compared to control. PA, SL and in combination treated animals were devoid of these pathological hallmarks emblematic in DEN treated animals. Administration of PA and NL mitigated DEN-induced hepatic toxicities and tumorigenesis. This phytoprotective capacity unveiled, maybe pertinent in averting hepatic damage from potential chemical carcinogens. Elucidating the phytochemistry and mechanisms of PA and NL mode of action is necessary, which could serve as potential anti-tumor drug candidate.