Antioxidant activity and free radical-scavenging of cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.) in hepatocellular carcinoma rats model

Abstract

Aim: Oxidative damage of cellular components by free radicals and other reactive oxygen molecules is believed to be associated with the development of degenerative diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and free radical scavenging activity of cape gooseberry juice (CGJ) in diethylnitrosamine-(DENA) and CCl4 (3 mL/kg b.w.)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rats model.Methods: The rats were divided into 4 groups (6 rats each group). Group 1 (control): the rats of this group did not receive any treatments; group 2 (CGJ): rats were daily administered cape gooseberry juice at a dose of 1 mL/kg b.w.; group 3 (HCC): the rats treated with a single intraperitoneal injection of fresh DENA (200 mg/kg body weight) and received a subcutaneous injection of CCl4 (3 mL/kg/week); group 4: (HCC + CGJ): rats were treated with DENA (200 mg/kg b.w.) and CCl4 (3 mL/kg b.w. per week) in addition to daily administered cape gooseberry juice at a dose of 1 mL/kg b.w.Results: Treatment with DENA plus CCl4 induced a significant increase in tumor marker level, alpha-fetoprotein level, and liver function enzymes activity as well as elevated levels of malondialdehyde. This suggests oxidative stress accompanied with a significant decrease in antioxidant biomarkers including glutathione, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the examined tissues. However, the administration of GGJ could reduce these changes to control levels.Conclusion: CGJ is a promising candidate as a free radical scavenger and antioxidant processor in an HCC rats model. This beneficial effect was achieved by antagonizing free radicals generation and the enhancement of the antioxidant defense mechanisms, resulting in marked improvement of hepatic biomarkers