Effects of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum on Biochemical Parameters of Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Cancer Mice

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Piptadeniastrum africanum is famous in traditional medicine with a wide range of clinical treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ethanol extract of the leaves of Piptadeniastrum africanum on the biochemical parameters of diethylnitrosamine-induced (DEN) liver cancer. Ethanol extract was prepared from Piptadeniastrum africanum leaves using cold maceration with 70% ethanol solution. Phytochemical analysis identified the main bioactive components. The study involved administering different doses of the extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg) to mice that had been exposed to diethylnitrosamine. Repeated doses of diethylnitrosamine, DEN (200 mg/kg for six weeks) were used to induce liver cancer. The control group consisted of normal controls (normal saline 0.1 ml/kg) untreated group and the doxorubicin (50 mg/kg) group. There was statistically significant decrease (p≤0.05) in liver parameters including ALT, AST, ALP, TP and ALB in the group receiving ethanol extract of the leaves Piptadeniastrum africanum compared to the negative control. In the same way, levels of urea, BUN, and creatinine in the group receiving ethanol leaf extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum decreased (p≤0.05) compared to the negative group. The extract also reduced the levels of oxidative stress parameters (p≤0.05) compared to the negative control. Similarly, the extract restored kidney and liver tissue to a relatively normal architecture when compared to the negative control group. In conclusion, ethanol leaf extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum significantly regulates liver, kidney, and oxidative stress parameters of diethylnitrosamine-induced (DEN) liver cancer mice.