Exploring traditional uses and biological activities related to liver cancer of Saban remedy extracts for potential liver cancer treatment

Context: Saban remedy is used at Khampramong Temple to relieve adverse effects in liver cancer patients. Aims: To analyze the taste and biological activities of Saban remedy and Cassia garrettiana as a principal component species in liver cancer treatment supported in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Saban remedy and its ingredient extracts were tested for cytotoxic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2, KKU-M156), cholangiocarcinoma cells, and normal human lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5) using the sulforhodamine B assay. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated through inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production (RAW 264.7 cell line), and mutagenicity and anti-mutagenicity were assessed using the Salmonella typhimurium strain TA98 and TA100 mutation assay. Both Saban remedy extracts and ethanolic C. garrettiana extract were tested in vivo for anti-hepatocarcinogenesis during the initiation stage in male Wistar rats. Results: Saban remedy, traditionally used as a purgative, exhibited bitter and bitter-nauseating flavors. The remedy demonstrated in vitro cytotoxic activity and in vivo reduction of GST-P foci in liver tissue, indicating protective and therapeutic potential against liver cancer. Saban remedy ethanolic extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory effects through nitric oxide inhibition. Notably, the aqueous extract of Saban remedy effectively reduced GST-P foci, a preneoplastic liver lesion, though it exhibited fewer biological activities compared to the ethanolic extract. This aligns with Khampramong Temple’s clinical use of the aqueous solution in cancer patients. Conclusions: The taste and biological properties of Saban remedy are correlated, supporting its use in treating liver cancer through various bioactivities.