Biochemical Studies on the Antitumor Activity of Ziziphus spina-christi Extracts on Experimentally-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common type of primary liver cancer, and one of the most leading causes to death. Many treatments are available such as surgical removal, liver transplant surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Unfortunately, these treatments are not suitable for all patients because they depend on the stage of cancer and the state of the liver. Moreover, in some cases recurrence of HCC within few years may take place. Consequently, many researchers suggest natural alternatives that have no side effects to treat different types of cancers including HCC. Ziziphus spina Christi is one of the most important plants used in treatment of various diseases because of its active ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor activity of ZSCL methanolic extract on DENA induced HCC in rats. To fulfill this study, a crude methanolic extract was prepared from the leaves. Then, constituents of the methanolic extract of ZSCL were characterized. In addition, the in vitro antioxidant as well as cytotoxic activities of ZSCL was evaluated. The possible hepatotherapeutic targets of ZSCL against hepatocarcinoma induced in rats with DENA were