ABSTRACT:
The aim of the present study is to study the preventive nature of Kigelia pinnata methanolic extract (MEKP)during DiEthyl Nitros Amine (DENA) induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats. Phytochemical screening for the methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata was carried out. The methanolic extract of the fruits was tested for antioxidant property by in vitro DPPH radical scavenging assay and reducing power assay and also anticancer activity of methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata was evaluated in DENA induced Sprague Dawley rats at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight orally and both doses were administered for 14 weeks. After 24 h of the last dose, the rats were sacrificed and antitumor effect of KMPE extract was assessed by evaluating biochemical parameters such as AFP, AST, ALT, ALP and LDH to evaluate anticancer activity of the extract. MDA and SOD levels in the liver tissue of each group were estimated for determining in vivo antioxidant activity of the plant. Histopathological studies were carried out. MEKP showed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, reducing sugars and phenolic compounds. MEKP showed concentration dependent free radical scavenging activity and increase in reducing power activity. Comparative analysis on the KPME treatment groups revealed that high dose (500mg/kg body weight showed significant reduction in the serum level of enzymes. Also, there was dose dependent effect of MEKP in the MDA and SOD level in the liver tissue. Histopathological studies showed the decrease in the damages to the liver tissue in the MEKP treatment groups. Hence the methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata possesses anti-hepatocellular activity which may be due to its hepatoprotective action. This may be due to the presence of flavonoids. Further studies can be carried out to elucidate the exact mechanism of its activity as an antioxidant and anticancer agent. The methanolic extract of Kigelia pinnata possesses anti-hepatocellular activity which may be due to its hepatoprotective action. This may be due to the presence of flavonoids. Further studies can be carried out to elucidate the exact mechanism of its activity as an antioxidant and anticancer agent.