The potential chemopreventive effect of Andrographis paniculata on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine and high-fat-diet-induced colorectal cancer in Sprague Dawley rats

• Main Authors: Subarmaniam, Tharani, Mahmad Rusli, Rusydatul Nabila, Perumal, Kokila Vani, Yong, Yoke Keong, Siti Hadizah, Othman, Fezah, Salem, Khaled, Shafie, Nurul Husna, Hasham, Rosnani, Yin, Khoo Boon, Abdul Kadir, Khairul Kamilah, Bahari, Hasnah, Zakaria, Zainul Amiruddin
• Format: Article
• Published: MDPI 2023
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/109056/; https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/6/5224
• Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is responsible for a notable rise in the overall mortality rate. Obesity is found to be one of the main factors behind CRC development. Andrographis paniculata is a herbaceous plant famous for its medicinal properties, particularly in Southeast Asia for its anti-cancer properties. This study examines the chemopreventive impact of A. paniculata ethanolic extract (APEE) against a high-fat diet and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in Sprague Dawley rats. Sprague Dawley rats were administered 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (40 mg/kg, i.p. once a week for 10 weeks) and a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to induce colorectal cancer. APEE was administered at 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg for 20 weeks. At the end of the experiment, blood serum and organs were collected. DMH/HFD-induced rats had abnormal crypts and more aberrant crypt foci (ACF). APEE at a dose of 500 mg/kg improved the dysplastic state of the colon tissue and caused a 32% reduction in the total ACF. HFD increased adipocyte cell size, while 500 mg/kg APEE reduced it. HFD and DMH/HFD rats had elevated serum insulin and leptin levels. Moreover, UHPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed that APEE was rich in anti-cancer phytochemicals. This finding suggests that APEE has anti-cancer potential against HFD/DMH-induced CRC and anti-adipogenic and anti-obesity properties.