Possible protective anticancer effect of chloroform fraction of Iraqi Hibiscus tiliaceus L. leaves extract on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male rats

Objectives: We aimed to examine the potential protective effects of Iraqi H. tiliaceus L. chloroform leaves extract on DEN-induced HCC in male Wistar Albino rats. Methods: Rats were assigned to four groups, six in each group. Group I: rats were administered a daily oral dose of mL/kg/day of distilled water. Group II: rats were intraperitoneally injected with 70 mg/kg DEN once per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Group III: rats received 250 mg/kg of chloroform leaves extract. Groups IV: the rats were administered 500 mg/kg of chloroform leaves extract, along with their food, for five days per week over 20 weeks, with a subsequent dose of DEN once per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Results: The results indicate that the extract demonstrated a significant reduction (p<0.05) in oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators, and HCC parameters, the extract also had a beneficial effect on liver function tests, and there was a significant elevation (p<0.05) of antioxidant parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: This study supports the protective properties of the chloroform extract of Iraqi H. tiliaceus L. leaves in HCC.