In Vitro Study of the Chemopreventive Effects of Chinese Herbs against Hepatocarcinogenesis

Abstract

SummaryThe chemopreventive effects of seven Chinese herbs against hepatocarcinogenesis were evaluated in vitro . The water extracts from Scutellaria barbata and Hedyotis diffusa among the seven herbs as well as Curcuma zedoaria (positive control), strongly inhibited cell growth of four human hepatoma cell lines; HuH-7 (p53 mutant), PLC/PRF/5 (p53 mutant), HepG2 (p53 wild-type) and Hep3B (p53 null). These two extracts also induced apoptotic cell death of these cell lines, as evaluated by DNA fragmentation and chromatin condensation. It is suggested that these Chinese herb extracts might contain active components which are able to induce apoptosis independent of the p53-induced process.

Japanese Kelp (Kombu) Extract Suppressed the Formation of Aberrant Crypt Foci in Azoxymethane Challenged Mouse Colon

“…Traditional foods have attracted our attention as a precious source of cancer chemopreventive factors [1]. Seaweeds are traditionally part of the diet of East Asians, particularly the Japanese, and sources of amino acids, dietary fibers, minerals, and vitamins [2].…”

Carcinogenesis due to Free Radicals and Carcinogenesis Preventive Effects of Ginkgo Leave Extracts

“…However, some free radicals produced in the body escape this defense mechanism, causing damages to the body. One such damage is carcinogenesis due to free radicals [5]. To reduce oxidative injury accumulated over a long period (carcinogenesis), many epidemiological studies have suggested the necessity for the consumption of many antioxidants contained in foods.…”