Protective Effects of Operculina Turpethum in N-Nitrosodiethylamine-Induced and Ccl4 Promoted Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Operculina turpethum root extract is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and hepatoprotective properties. DEN is a powerful hepatotoxin, and CCl4 is a tumor promoter that induces Hepatocellular Carcinoma. In the current work, through histopathological technique we have studied the anticancerous activity of operculina turpethum root extract on DEN-induced and CCl4 promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. To develop hepatic cancer in adult male albino rats, DEN was induced intraperitoneally at 200 mg/kg body weight once and 1ml CCl4 intraperitoneal three times per week for six weeks. Twenty-four male wistar rats were selected for the study. The rats were categorized into 4 groups. Group I as normal control comprised of healthy rats. Group II consists of HCC-induced group. Group III rats were given with silymarin at a dose of (50mg/kg) body weight as reference drug. Group IV rats treated with hydro-alcoholic operculina turpethum root extract (400mg/kg body weight). The progression of liver cancer as well as amelioration of operculina turpethum root extract was assessed through histopathologically staining. The liver sections of rats from HCC control (Group II) showed significantly damaged hepatocytes. High cellular density, dense cytoplasm along with complete destruction of sinusoidal architecture and hepatocytes along with pleomorphic nuclei as well as cytological atypia is seen. Pyknotic nucleus and lipoid vacuoles is also seen. Operculina turpethum root extract treated rats protective effect against the carcinogen induced hepatocellular carcinoma