Hepatoprotective effect of Matricaria chamomilla aqueous extract against 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine-induced carcinogenic hepatic damage in mice

Abstract

Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) is a potent colonic and hepatic carcinogen that is metabolized into oxyradicals causing liver injury and DNA mutations. Matricaria chamomilla is a well-documented medicinal herb that possesses antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antitumor activities and is commonly used to treat diverse ailments. The present study aimed to reveal the hepatoprotective effects of Matricaria chamomilla aqueous extract during an intermediate stage of colorectal cancer (CRC) in mice. Male Balb/c mice were divided into six groups: group A served as control, group B received chamomile extract (150 mg/Kg b.w.) orally for 12 weeks, and groups C-F received weekly intraperitoneal injections of DMH (20 mg/Kg b.w.) once a week for 12 weeks. In addition to DMH, groups D and F received chamomile during the initiation and post-initiation stages, respectively. Blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and molecular analyses. The results showed that DMH induced hepatic injury in mice as shown by significant increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. The changes in biochemical parameters were accompanied by activation of the Wnt signaling pathway leading to increased hepatocytes proliferation as well as inflammation evidenced by high levels of pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The results also showed potential hepatoprotective effects of chamomile extract against DMH-induced liver injury, proliferation and inflammation. Chamomile restored the biochemical and molecular parameters and this improvement was more pronounced in mice pretreated with the extract. In conclusion, chamomile extract may exert its hepatoprotective activities against DMH probably due to the antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties of its flavonoids.

Potential Application of Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) as Active Fillers in Natural Rubber Biocomposites

“…German chamomile ( Matricaria chamomilla L., synonym: Chamomilla recutita L.) is an annual therapeutical herb cultivated in Europe, North Africa, Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand [ 54 ]. Previous studies proved its antioxidant, anti-cancer, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-allergic, anti-diarrheal and antimicrobial effects [ 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ]. Matricaria chamomilla L. is an official drug in pharmacopeia in 26 countries [ 54 ].…”

Physalis peruviana L.: perspectiva de aplicabilidade no tratamento de câncer

“…Além da quercetina, extrato de Physalis peruviana L também contém kaempferol 3-O-rutinosídeo ambos conhecidos por ser um potencial antioxidante devido à sua capacidade de eliminar os radicais livres e as espécies de oxigênio ativo, como o oxigênio singlete, o radical ânion superóxido e os radicais hidroxila e a presença desses compostos poderia explicar a atividade antioxidante encontrada no extrato bruto (Shebbo, S. et al, 2020).…”

Effects of supplement therapy on HBV-related HCC: a case report of a significant tumour regression

“…Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) is a well-documented medicinal herb with anti-in ammatory, antioxidant and antitumour activities and is commonly used to treat diverse ailments [20]. Recently, recognition of apigenin, a avonoid compound in chamomile, as a cancer chemopreventive agent has increased [21].…”