Protective Effects of Combined Extract of Petroselinum crispum, Murraya koenigii, and Cinnamomum tamala against N-nitrosodimethylamine Induced Carcinogenic Changes in Mouse

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), the structurally simplest nitrosamine, is a potent carcinogen. Since nitrosamines are found in a broad range of substances, including our water and food, it is important to look for ways to nullify their harmful effects. In this regard, supplementing our diet with plant materials rich in bioactive compounds can be useful. Therefore, this study aimed to study the protective effects of the combined extract of selected plants against the carcinogenic impact of NDMA treatment on mice. Metabolites present in the methanolic extracts of the selected plants were screened. After checking the toxicity of the combined methanolic extract (CME), mice were segregated into four groups, namely control; NDMA-treated; NDMA + CME (200 mg/kg body weight) treated; and NDMA + CME (400 mg/kg body weight) treated. The weight of mice was checked at regular intervals. After the experimental period, the mice were sacrificed which was followed by collection of blood and observation and weighing of the internal organs. The lung, kidney, and liver were fixed in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. Phytochemical screening showed good amounts of important metabolites. The change in body weight of the NDMA-treated group was most distinct from the control group's body weight change. The relative organ weight for liver of different experimental groups significantly differed. NDMA induced hepatocarcinogenesis, renal toxicity, and histopathological injury in the lung. In the case of NDMA + CME-treated mice, normalised histological architecture was observed. This study indicated that the phytoactive components of CME counteracted the toxic effects of NDMA.