You have no items in your shopping cart.
ABSTRACT
Colon cancer is a significant global health challenge, necessitating innovative approaches to its management. This study investigates the potential impact of Ficus exasperata, a plant extract, on 1,2-diethyl hydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in Wistar rats. In addition to exploring the effects on tumor development, the study utilizes key biomarkers—lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), procalcitonin (PCT), and platelet distribution width (PDW)—to assess the extract's influence on malignancy. The experimental design involved a 14- day acclimatization period for 64 experimental rats separated into eight (8) groups consisting of eight rats each ensuring their suitability for the study. F. exasperata leaves were meticulously extracted using methanol over 72 hours of soaking. Upon completion of the extract preparation, the animals were subjected to an overnight fast and anesthesia with chloroform and blood samples were obtained via cardiac puncture. LDH activity in rats co-treated with DMH and the extract was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in the control group, indicating potential ameliorative effects of the extract. In contrast, rats treated with DMH alone exhibited significantly lower (p < 0.05) LDH activity. G6PD activity, another key biomarker, was notably elevated (p < 0.05) in rats treated with 5-fluorouracil, aligning with prior research. However, the precise mode of action remains an avenue for future exploration. Procalcitonin (PCT) and platelet distribution width (PDW) levels were generally within normal ranges, with only specific groups showing significantly elevated (p < 0.05) PDW levels, possibly indicative of malignancy. In light of these intriguing findings, future perspectives for this research include delving deeper into the mechanisms underlying the extract's impact on these biomarkers and underscores the promise of F. exasperata in colon cancer research and opens doors for future investigations in the field.
