CURATIVE EFFECT OF ELEPHANTOPUS SCABER LINN. ON N’- NITROSODIETHYLAMINE INDUCED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA IN EXPERIMENTAL RATS

Objective: To evaluate the curative effect of Elephantopus scaber Linn. on N’Nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatocellular carcinoma in experimental rats. Methods: Phytochemical analysis of the different solvent extracts of E. scaber revealed various constituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenols, etc. in the methanolic extract, which was selected for further study. The curative ability of two different doses of E. scaber methanolic extracts (100mg/kg and 200mg/kg) was evaluated against NDEA (0.02% in water) induced liver cancer in male Wistar rats. Quantification of serum AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH was conducted to assess the extent of hepatotoxicity. Estimation of Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx), Catalase (CAT) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) determined the anti-oxidant activity of the plant. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical studies for cancer markers namely Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Cyclin D1 were conducted on liver tissues to confirm the anti-cancer properties of the plant extract. Results: Elephantopus scaber methanolic extract significantly (p≤0.05) reversed the elevation of serum AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, and tissue malondialdehyde levels. Hepatic GSH, GST, GPx, and catalase levels were remarkably increased by the treatment with the extract. Histopathological and immunohistochemical evidence also supported the dose-dependent curative effect of the plant extract upon hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activity of Elephantopus scaber and thus scientifically validating its use as a potential anti-cancer drug source.