Vitex doniana Leaves Extract Ameliorates Alterations Associated with 7, 12-Dimethyl Benz[a]Anthracene-Induced Mammary Damage in Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Vitex doniana leaves are used traditionally in West Africa for the treatment of swellings and cancer. We investigated if Vitex doniana leaves extract could ameliorate 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary damage. Female Wistar rats aged 52 ± 2 day were administered 80 mg/kg DMBA. After monitoring for 150 day, rats were administered 0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg Vitex doniana and 20 mg/kg Tamoxifen for 14 day. Serum estrogen receptor-α, IL-1β and TNF -α levels were determined using ELISA kits. Oxidative stress markers in mammary tissue homogenates were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Histopathological examination was done using hematoxylin and eosin staining and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression using immunohistochemistry. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine components present in the extract. Although tumors were not observed, significantly (p < 0.05) lower estrogen receptor-α, malondialdehyde, IL-1β and TNF -α levels, significantly (p < 0.05) higher glutathione and catalase activity, attenuation of malignant epithelial hyperplasia and mild COX-2 expression were observed in rats administered Vitex doniana when compared to DMBA-induced untreated control. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the V. doniana extract revealed the presence of 4,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methylflavone and vanillylamine, which are compounds with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, treatment with Vitex doniana ameliorated some derangement observed in DMBA-induced rats.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the technical support of Mr. Bamidele and Mr. Otegbada of Ahmadu Bello University and University of Ibadan respectively.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Authors Contributions

Gilead Ebiegberi Forcados – design of the experiment, acquisition of data, drafting the article, final approval of the article for publication

Abdullahi Balarabe Sallau - analysis and interpretation of data, revising the article, final approval of the article for publication

Aliyu Muhammad - design of the experiment, drafting the article, final approval of the article for publication

Ochuko Lucky Erukainure – acquisition of data, analysis of data, revising the article, final approval of the article for publication

Dorcas Bolanle James - conception and design of the experiment, drafting and revising the article, final approval of the article for publication

Additional information

Funding

Funding support was obtained from Department of Biochemistry, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. Kaduna State. Nigeria (P14SCBC9007).