Chemopreventive Potential of Glycosmis pentaphylla Correa on Hepatic Carcinogen Metabolizing Enzymes and Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms in Mice

ABSTRACT

The potential chemopreventive role of the hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla Correa (Rutaceae) has been assessed on the hepatic levels of detoxification system enzymes [Phase I, Cytochrome P₄₅₀ (Cyt P₄₅₀) and Cytochrome b₅ (Cyt b₅) and Phase II, glutathione S-transferase (GST)] and anti-oxidant profiles [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat)], glutathione content (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in six- to eight-weeks-old Swiss albino mice at dose levels of 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight for 7 and 14 days, respectively. The specific activities of Cyt b5, GST, GSH, GPx, GR, and SOD were significantly enhanced with both the dose levels of treatment, while the activity of Cyt P450 was observed to be increased only in the groups treated with a high dose of the extract. The lipid peroxidation level, evaluated as the rate of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) formation, showed a significant decrease with both doses of treatment. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) treated mice (0.75% in diet; positive control) showed significant elevation in the activities of Phase I and Phase II enzymes and antioxidant defense system with a decrease in the level of MDA formation. The findings indicate the possible chemopreventive role of G. pentaphylla as deduced from the efficacy of the plant extract to induce the carcinogen metabolizing enzymes.

KEYWORDS:

• Chemoprevention
• carcinogenesis
• hepatic biotransformation
• lipid peroxidation
• medicinal plant