Chelidonic acid attenuates 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced oral carcinogenesis by modulating oxidative stress and detoxification pathways in Golden Syrian hamsters

Background Chemoprevention studies using bioactive phytochemicals have emerged as a promising approach for the preliminary evaluation of compounds that inhibit carcinogenesis. Phytochemicals have gained attention as chemopreventive agents due to their antioxidant properties, ability to modulate phase I and II detoxification enzymes. Such studies provide a strong foundation for the development of effective anticancer agents with minimal side effects. Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive efficacy of chelidonic acid against DMBA-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis through comprehensive biochemical and histopathological analyses. Methods Oral squamous cell carcinoma was induced in the buccal pouches of hamsters by topical application of 0.5% DMBA three times per week for fourteen weeks. Chelidonic acid was administered orally at doses of 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight on days alternating with DMBA painting. Tumor incidence, tumor volume and tumor burden were assessed. The status of lipid peroxidation markers, antioxidant defenses and phase I and phase II detoxification agents was analyzed. Histopathological examination of buccal pouch tissues was also performed. Results DMBA-painted hamsters exhibited 100% tumor incidence, along with significant alterations in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense systems and detoxification agents. Histopathological evaluation revealed severe dysplasia and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Oral administration of chelidonic acid significantly reduced tumor incidence, tumor volume and tumor burden in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, no gross tumors were observed in the 80 mg/kg b.w chelidonic acid treated group, restored biochemical parameters towards normal and markedly improved histopathological architecture. Conclusion Chelidonic acid demonstrated promising chemopreventive activity against DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis.