Screening of anticancer, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of ethanol extract of Elephantopus scaber L.

Abstract

7.12-dimethylbenz (α)anthracene (DMBA) is a carcinogenic compound. It is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzyme into 7.12-dimethylbenz (α) anthracene-3.4-diol-1.2-epoxide (DMBA-DE) which is more reactive and can damage the hepatic cell. Furthermore, DMBA also can damage the kidneys and cause Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) accumulation resulting in oxidative stress. This study aimed to determine the activity of Elephantopus scaber L as anticancer, hepatoprotector and nephroprotector. Forty female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into five groups: One control group and four treatment groups. Treatment group II was given 20mg/kg body weight (BW) of DMBA. Groups III, IV, and V were given DMBA and E. scaber extract at 50mg/kg BW, 100mg/kg BW and 200mg/kgBW, respectively. Those treatments were orally administered for 5 weeks. Week 6-15 is a time to observe the appearance of nodules and body weight. At the beginning of the 16th week, blood was collected to calculate the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine. Data were analyzed using one way ANOVA method with 95% confidence level. Based on the AUC value, body weight showed no significant difference in each group (p>0.05). The highest potential for tumor inhibition was obtained at the dose of 200mg/kg BW. The results of AST, ALT, urea and creatinine levels showed a significant difference between all dose treatment groups with negative controls (p<0.05). Ethanol extract of E. scaber possibly inhibits the appearance of nodules, protects liver and kidneys cell.