F.O. OMOREGIE

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum. While conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery exist, they can be physically and emotionally taxing. This study investigates the ameliorating effects of chloroform extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Piper guineense on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)- induced colorectal cancer in Wistar rats. The research aimed to determine the potential of these plant extracts in mitigating oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by DMH exposure. 18 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a DMH-only group, and a treatment group receiving DMH along with 250 mg/kg of the chloroform extract. DMH was administered orally using a dolphin’s gavage for 8 weeks (twice a week).At the end of DMH administration, 250 mg/kg bwt of Chloroform fraction of P.amarus and P.guinensis were administered with the aid of a dolphin’s gavage for 2 weeks (daily) treatment period. Biochemical markers such as liver and kidney function enzymes, oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde), and serum electrolytes as well as Tumor Protein 53(TP53)were analyzed. The results indicated a significant increase in oxidative stress markers in the DMH-only group, while rats treated with the plant extracts exhibited improved antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced markers of tissue damage. These findings suggest that Phyllanthus amarus and Piper guineense possess potential chemoprotective properties against DMH-induced colorectal cancer through antioxidant mechanisms. Further research is necessary to explore their clinical applicability and potential therapeutic benefits in cancer prevention and treatment.

This study investigates the effect of Phyllanthus amarus leaf extract on apoptotic and cytokine activity in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon carcinoma in Swiss albino rats. Colon cancer remains a major global health burden, and the exploration of plant-derived bioactive compounds for safer chemoprevention has gained increasing attention. Phyllanthus amarus, a medicinal plant known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, was evaluated for its potential to mitigate colon carcinogenesis. Colon cancer was induced in rats through subcutaneous administration of DMH (20 mg/kg body weight) once weekly for 10 weeks. Experimental groups received oral doses of ethanol leaf extract of P. amarus at concentrations of 250, 350 and 450 mg/kg body weight throughout the treatment period. Biochemical, histological, and molecular assessments were performed to determine oxidative stress status, apoptotic activity, and cytokine modulation. Treatment with P. amarus significantly decreased oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reducing lipid peroxidation levels. Histopathological analysis revealed restoration of normal colon tissue architecture and reduced dysplasia in treated rats compared to the DMH control group. Molecular findings showed that P. amarus extract enhanced apoptosis by upregulating the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9, while downregulating the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Furthermore, cytokine assays demonstrated that P. amarus modulated inflammatory signaling by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and elevating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These outcomes indicate that P. amarus confers chemoprotective effects through suppression of oxidative damage, activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway via caspase-9 and caspase-3, and regulation of cytokine balance