Anticarcinogenic Activity of Terpeniod Containing Plants Against Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Abstract

Hepatocellular Carcinoma is 6th most predominantly existing cancer and second largest contributor to human mortality all over the world. This study is focused on identification of ―Potent Anticancer terpenes‖ from selected experimental plants that may be successfully practicized in cancer chemotherapeutic mainstream. Twenty five plants were taken under consideration for present piece of work. Ethanolic extracts of different parts of these plants were prepared. Standard analytical methods including UV-VIS Spectroscopy, FTIR and GCMS effectively confirmed presence of a large number of secondary metabolites i.e. Flavonoids, Phenols, Terpenoids, Quinine, Saponins and Alkaloids in these extracts. Quenching potential of ethanolic extracts against DPPH free radical fabricated possible antioxidant dynamics of selected experimental plants. During present work we focused on the role of identified plant ―Terpenoids‖ involved in Hepatocurative as well as Hepatoprotective activities. The ethanolic extracts and these identified effective anticancer ―terpenes‖ were used for further experimentation on Hepatocellular Carcinoma in O. cuniculus. In vitro cytotoxic effects of ethanolic extracts of experimental plants and identified ―terpenes‖ (Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Methyl decanoate, n- Hexadecanoic acid ) were assessed by MTT (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay against Mouse Fibroblasts (3T3) cell lines along with their IC50 calculation. Hepatocellular Carcinoma was induced by CCl4 administration in O. cuniculus. The safe doses of CCl4, ethanolic extracts and identified ―terpenes‖ were also optimized during this piece of work. Hepatocurative and Hepatoprotective potentials of plants extracts and their identified ―terpenes‖ along with standard drugs (in medical use for treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma) were effectively analysed by monitoring physiological changes (pH of saliva, temperature, blood glucose, body weight) in induced Hepatic Carcinomic O. cuniculus. Furthermore, Hematological investigations (Hb, RBC, TLC, MCV, MCH, MCHC and Platelets), changes in Liver Biochemical Enzymes (Alkaline phosphatase, Aspartate amino Transferase and Alanine aminotransferase) and Hepatic Carcinoma Marker (Alpha Fetoprotein) efficiently marked Therapeutic as well as Prophylactic outcomes followed by Histo-Pathological studies of Carcinomic and healthy livers following Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining. xxiii The research work was aimed to critically examine potential role of naturally occurring ―Terpenoids‖ from diverse botanical origins for chemoprevention as well as chemotherapy of liver tumors. Both in vitro and in vivo effects were noted and recorded. We successfully identified the anticancer ―terpenes‖ giving better and non-toxic results against Hepatocellular Carcinoma in comparison to synthetic anti-cancerous drugs in market. In addition to this, we also recorded similar anticancerous response of ethanolic extracts of selected experimental plants against induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in O. cuniculus. The results of the present piece of work are promising and may be very helpful for finding green, cost effective and eco-friendly chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic measures to deal successfully with liver carcinomas.