Protective Effect of Morus alba Leaf Extract on N-Nitrosodiethylamine-induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats.
OBJECTIVE
The leaves of white mulberry (Morus alba L.) contain various polyphenolic compounds possessing strong antioxidant activity and anticancer potential. This study was designed to investigate the chemopreventive effect of aqueous extract of mulberry leaves against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced liver carcinogenesis.


METHODS
Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, mulberry extract-treated, NDEA-treated, and mulberry extract plus NDEA-treated. Mulberry extract was given in the diet (1,000 mg/kg b.w./day); NDEA was given in drinking water.


RESULTS
Mulberry extract reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma, dysplastic nodules, lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and DNA degradation. Treatment with mulberry leaf extract along with NDEA challenge did not affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione content.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with mulberry leaf extract partially protected the livers of rats from NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and a direct antioxidant mechanism appears to contribute to its anticarcinogenic activity.
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland kujawska@ump.edu.pl.
Małgorzata
M
Kujawska
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Małgorzata
M
Ewertowska
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Teresa
T
Adamska
Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Ewa
E
Ignatowicz
Department of Food Service and Catering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Ewa
E
Flaczyk
Department of Food Service and Catering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Monika
M
Przeor
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Monika
M
Kurpik
Department of Toxicology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Jadwiga Jodynis
JJ
Liebert
D000818:Animals; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D004052:Diethylnitrosamine; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D031625:Morus / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D020011:Protective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D050050:Protein Carbonylation / Q000187:drug effects; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D010936:Plant Extracts; D020011:Protective Agents; D004052:Diethylnitrosamine; D004247:DNA
Morus alba L.; Mulberry; comet assay; lipid peroxidation; protein carbonyls