Evaluating the In - Vivo Anticancer Potentials of Volatile Oil Obtained from Ferula Asafoetida in Liver Cancer Rodent Models

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Liver, a reddish-brown organ, holds 13% of blood supply. The blood entering liver is processed and broken down and substances are metabolized into simpler forms that can be used by the body. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver disease, accounting 80-90% of all liver cancer and fifth most common cause of cancer mortality. Risk factors of HCC include HBV (hepatitis B virus) and HCV (Hepatitis C virus) infections, chronic alcohol use, obesity and diabetes mellitus. Natural anti-cancer substances are available from which Ferula asafoetida (HING) was considered as it comprises of 10-17% of essential oils as it is an effective drug against cancer, inflammation etc. HYPOTHESIS: DEN – AAF induced model is most preferred model for induction of hepatocellular carcinoma. We hypothesize that the extracted oils from Ferula asafoetida possess anti-cancer potential in liver cancer models. Hence, it is also evaluated whether this treatment would alter the gut microbiota as they play a crucial role in liver cancer. However, the observation of the alterations after induction and after treatment will help to determine the success of the treatment. OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to find out the efficacy of the volatile oil extracted from Ferula asafoetida having reversal property for pathogenicity of liver cancer and also to ascertain the changes developed/ alterations seen in gut microbiota due to induction and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar rats (male) were taken for the experiment. Induction of Liver cancer was done using DEN (Diethyl nitrosamine) and AAF (2-acetylamino fluorine) for 21 days. Treatment was done using two different volatile oils that were given in 50μg/kg body weight concentration to two different reversal groups for a period of 30 days. Animals from all three groups were autopsied after the treatment and blood and faecal samples were collected for further analysis. RESULTS: Alterations are seen in the body weights of the animals during the induction of DEN-AAF and during the treatment. Serum biochemical analysis revealed significant increase in SGOT, SGPT, HDL, LDL, Cholesterol, Triglycerides and Total Protein during induction period and after treatment as compared to control animals. Morphological changes were also observed where the weight and size of the organs were altered. Histopathology studies were also carried out for various organs. CONCLUSION: After induction and treatment, significant alterations were observed in the parameters studied. As the pharmacological activities of Ferula asafoetida includes anti-cancer activity, hepatoprotective activity, anti- diabetic activity, it has been considered for the treatment. SCOPE OF STUDY: Various promising properties of HING show that it is one of the good methods to study the reversal of pathogenicity of liver cancer. Reports show it has anti-cancer activity. The Gut microbiota study was not possible due to COVID 19 pandemic. Hence, whether they possess any gut modulatory activities or not which needs to be further experimented and analysed in future.