Modulating effect of d-carvone on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced pre-neoplastic lesions, oxidative stress and biotransforming enzymes, in an experimental model of rat colon carcinogenesis

Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla can Protect the Development of Cancer: An in Vivo Study using Mouse Painting Assay

AIM

The aim of this study is to examine the protective properties of Coriandrum sativum and Aloysia triphylla against the development of skin cancer.

METHODS

The skin cancer balb/c mouse model was utilized in the study. Plant extracts were administered to animals using oral gavage. In addition, skin cancer was induced using 7,12-dimethylbenz( a) anthracene (DMBA).

RESULTS

The study found that A. triphylla extract reduced both tumor incidence (P<0.01) and papilloma frequency (P<0.001) and delayed the onset of tumor development (P<0.001). The A. triphylla extract did not affect tumor size in animals. C. sativum leaf extract reduced the number of tumors per animal, the incidence of tumors, and the frequency of papilloma (P<0.05). In addition, it delayed (P<0.01) the onset of tumors. Treatment of animals with C. sativum seed extract reduced the frequency of papilloma (P<0.05) and delayed the onset of tumors (P<0.05). However, the examined plant extracts did not impact the size of tumors induced by DMBA (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study revealed that C. sativum and A. triphylla could protect against cancer development as indicated using the animal model of skin painting assay.

Hydroxamic Acids Containing a Bicyclic Pinane Backbone as Epigenetic and Metabolic Regulators: Synergizing Agents to Overcome Cisplatin Resistance

Multidrug resistance is the dominant obstacle to effective chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms. It is well known that neoplastic cells use a wide range of adaptive mechanisms to form and maintain resistance against antitumor agents, which makes it urgent to identify promising therapies to solve this problem. Hydroxamic acids are biologically active compounds and in recent years have been actively considered to be potentially promising drugs of various pharmacological applications. In this paper, we synthesized a number of hydroxamic acids containing a p-substituted cinnamic acid core and bearing bicyclic pinane fragments, including derivatives of (-)-myrtenol, (+)-myrtenol and (-)-nopol, as a Cap-group. Among the synthesized compounds, the most promising hydroxamic acid was identified, containing a fragment of (-)-nopol in the Cap group 18c. This compound synergizes with cisplatin to increase its anticancer effect and overcomes cisplatin resistance, which may be associated with the inhibition of histone deacetylase 1 and glycolytic function. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the use of hydroxamic acids with a bicyclic pinane backbone can be considered to be an effective approach to the eradication of tumor cells and overcoming drug resistance in the treatment of malignant neoplasms.

Ameliorative Effect of D-Carvone against Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion-Induced Injury in Rats

Background: D-carvone is a monoterpene that exists in the essential oils of several plant species. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (Hep I/R) takes place clinically during different scenarios of liver pathologies. The aim of the current investigation is to disclose the hepato-protective actions of carvone against Hep I/R-induced damage and to reveal the underlying mechanism. Material and methods: Rats were assigned into five groups: sham and carvone plus sham groups, in which rats were administered either saline or carvone orally for three weeks prior to the induction of Hep I/R. In the Hep I/R group, rats were administered saline orally prior to the Hep I/R induction operation. The carvone 25 plus Hep I/R and Carvone 50 plus Hep I/R groups were administered carvone (25 and 50 mg/kg, respectively) for three weeks, followed by the induction of Hep I/R. Results: Liver ischemic animals demonstrated impaired liver function, several histopathological variations, and reduced levels of antioxidant enzyme activities. Furthermore, the Hep I/R groups showed the elevated gene expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and LR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLP3), with subsequent escalated adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), neutrophil infiltration, and several inflammatory mediators, including interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), as well as apoptotic markers. Pretreatment with D-carvone alleviated ischemia/reperfusion-induced impaired liver function, diminished the histopathological deviations, and augmented the antioxidant enzymes. In addition, D-carvone mitigated the gene expression of HMGB1, TLR4, NFκB, and NLP3, with a subsequent reduction in ICAM-1, neutrophils infiltration, inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic markers. Conclusion: Rats pretreated with D-carvone exhibited hepato-protective actions against Hep I/R-induced damage via the downregulation of HMGB1, TLR4, NFκB, NLP3, associated inflammatory mediators, and apoptotic markers.

D-Carvone Attenuates CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and TGF-ß 1/SMAD3 Signaling Pathway

D-carvone is a natural monoterpene found in abundance in the essential oil of aromatic medicinal plants with a wide range of pharmacological values. However, the impact of D-carvone on liver fibrosis remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fibrotic potential of D-carvone in a rat model of liver fibrosis and to clarify the possible underlying mechanisms. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by carbon tetrachloride, CCl₄ (2.5 mL/kg, interperitoneally every 72 h for 8 weeks). Oral treatment of rats with D-carvone (50 mg/kg, daily) started on the 3rd week of CCl₄ administration. D-carvone significantly enhanced liver functions (ALT, AST), oxidant/antioxidant status (MDA, SOD, GSH, total antioxidant capacity; TAC), as well as histopathological changes. Moreover, D-carvone effectively attenuated the progression of liver fibrosis, evident by the decreased collagen deposition and fibrosis score by Masson trichrome staining (MT) and α-SMA protein expression. Moreover, D-carvone administration resulted in a significant downregulation of the pro-fibrogenic markers TGF-β1 and SMAD3 and upregulation of MMP9. These findings reveal the anti-fibrotic effect of D-carvone and suggest regulation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway, together with the antioxidant activity as a mechanistic cassette, underlines this effect. Therefore, D-carvone could be a viable candidate for inhibiting liver fibrosis and other oxidative stress-related hepatic diseases. Clinical studies to support our hypothesis are warranted.

Carvone and its pharmacological activities: A systematic review

Natural products from plants have gained prominence in the search for therapeutic alternatives. Monoterpenes, such as carvone, are suggested as candidates for the treatment of several diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study is to review the pharmacological activities of carvone in experimental models in vitro and in vivo. For this, the searches were carried out in May 2020 (upgraded in July 2021) in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus and gathered studies on the pharmacological activities of carvone. Two independent reviewers performed the selection of articles using the Rayyan application, extracted the relevant data and assessed the methodological quality of the selected studies using Syrcle's risk of bias tool. Ninety-one articles were selected that described 10 pharmacological activities of carvone, such as antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, among others. The evaluation of the methodological quality presented an uncertain risk of bias for most studies. In light of that, carvone stands out as a viable and promising alternative in the treatment of several pathological conditions. However, carrying out studies to evaluate possible mechanisms of action and the safety of this monoterpene is recommended.

Bioactive properties of the aromatic molecules of spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) essential oil: a review

Spearmint belongs to the genus Mentha in the family Labiateae (Lamiaceae), which is wildly cultivated worldwide for its remarkable aroma and commercial value. The aromatic molecules of spearmint essential oil,...

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anti-Acetylcholinesterase, Antidiabetic, and Pharmacokinetic Properties of Carum carvi L. and Coriandrum sativum L. Essential Oils Alone and in Combination

Herbs and spices have been used since antiquity for their nutritional and health properties, as well as in traditional remedies for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Therefore, this study aims to perform a chemical analysis of both essential oils (EOs) from the seeds of Carum carvi (C. carvi) and Coriandrum sativum (C. sativum) and evaluate their antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and antidiabetic activities alone and in combination. Results showed that the EOs mainly constitute monoterpenes with γ-terpinene (31.03%), β-pinene (18.77%), p-cymene (17.16%), and carvone (12.20%) being the major components present in C. carvi EO and linalool (76.41%), γ-terpinene (5.35%), and α-pinene (4.44%) in C. sativum EO. In comparison to standards, statistical analysis revealed that C. carvi EO showed high and significantly different (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity than C. sativum EO, but lower than the mixture. Moreover, the mixture exhibited two-times greater ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (IC₅₀ = 11.33 ± 1.53 mg/mL) and equipotent chelating power (IC₅₀ = 31.33 ± 0.47 mg/mL) than the corresponding references, and also potent activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC₅₀ = 19.00 ± 1.00 mg/mL), β-carotene (IC₅₀ = 11.16 ± 0.84 mg/mL), and superoxide anion (IC₅₀ = 10.33 ± 0.58 mg/mL) assays. Antimicrobial data revealed that single and mixture EOs were active against a panel of pathogenic microorganisms, and the mixture had the ability to kill more bacterial strains than each EO alone. Additionally, the anti-acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibitory effect have been studied for the first time, highlighting the high inhibition effect of AChE by C. carvi (IC₅₀ = 0.82 ± 0.05 mg/mL), and especially by C. sativum (IC₅₀ = 0.68 ± 0.03 mg/mL), as well as the mixture (IC₅₀ = 0.63 ± 0.02 mg/mL) compared to the reference drug, which are insignificantly different (p > 0.05). A high and equipotent antidiabetic activity was observed for the mixture (IC₅₀ = 0.75 ± 0.15 mg/mL) when compared to the standard drug, acarbose, which is about nine times higher than each EO alone. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic analysis provides some useful insights into designing new drugs with favorable drug likeness and safety profiles based on a C. carvi and C. sativum EO mixture. In summary, the results of this study revealed that the combination of these EOs may be recommended for further food, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical applications, and can be utilized as medicine to inhibit several diseases.

Selected Monocyclic Monoterpenes and Their Derivatives as Effective Anticancer Therapeutic Agents

Terpenes-a diverse group of secondary metabolites-constitute the largest class of natural products abundant in almost every plant species. The properties of concrete terpenes and essential oils have been intensively studied due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. Despite the popularity of these aromatic compounds, their derivatives, terpenoids, are still not comprehensively characterized despite exhibiting potent bioactive properties. This review aims to assess the anticancer properties of selected monoterpenes including carvone, carvacrol, perillyl alcohol, perillaldehyde, limonene, menthol and their derivatives while also evaluating potential applications as novel anticancer treatments. Special attention is paid to functional groups that improve the bioactivity of monoterpene molecules. This review also covers the therapeutic potential of deep eutectic solvents that contain monoterpene substances. Taken together, the literature supports the use of monoterpene derivatives in the development of new alternatives for disease treatment and prevention.

D-carvone induced ROS mediated apoptotic cell death in human leukemic cell lines (Molt-4)

The immature lymphoid cells with chromosomal structural and numerical abnormalities cause the acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This hematologic disorder constitutes about 25% of cancer prognosis among children and adolescents. D-Carvone, a monocyclic monoterpene obtained from the essential oils extracted from plants is reported to possess the various biological activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of D-Carvone against the human leukemic Molt-4 cells. The cytotoxicity of DCarvone was analyzed by MTT assay. The level of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants were determined. The intracellular ROS, MMP and apoptosis were demonstrated by fluorescent staining techniques. The MTT assay revealed that the D-Carvone treatment suppressed the viability of Molt-4 cells and the IC50 was determined at 20 µM/ml. The D-Carvone treatment was increased the oxidative stress and reduced the level of antioxidants in the Molt-4 cell lines. The increased intracellular ROS, apoptotic cell death, and diminished MMP was noted in the D-Carvone treatment. In the Molt-4 cells, D-carvone induced the apoptosis in a time and dose dependent manner by the activation of caspases-8, -9 and -3. Thus, data provide insights for the clinical application of D-Carvone in the treatment of blood cancer Molt-4 cells. Our study suggests the therapeutic potential D-Carvone for the treatment of leukemia in future.

Carvone suppresses oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver of immobilised rats

OBJECTIVE

The investigation of the effect of carvone (a natural monoterpene) on liver damage caused by chronic immobilisation.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, carvone, stress, and stress-carvone. To induce stress, rats were placed in a restrainer (6 h/21 day) and carvone was treated by gavage at a dose of 20 mg/kg.

RESULTS

Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase activities were significantly increased in sera of immobilised rats. Chronic immobilisation also increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased reduced glutathione content, as well as increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NF-κB mRNA expression and also led to the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver parenchyma. Carvone's 21-day treatment prevented all of these changes in immobilised rats.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that carvone has effectively prevented chronic immobilisation-induced liver injury, most probably through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Anti-arthritic activity of D-carvone against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats through modulation of inflammatory cytokines

Chronic joint pain due to loss of cartilage function, degradation of subchondral bone, and related conditions are common plights of an arthritis patient. Antioxidant compounds could solve the problems in arthritic condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of D-carvone against complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats. D-carvone was orally administered for 25 days at the doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg against CFA-induced arthritic rats. Changes in body weight, paw swelling, organ index, hematological parameters, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathology were recorded. Oral treatment of D-carvone significantly improved the body weight, reduced the paw swelling, edema formation, and organ index in arthritic rats. The levels of white blood cells were reduced, red blood cells and hemoglobin levels were improved in D-carvone treated arthritic rats. Lipid peroxidation levels were lowered whereas enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were significantly elevated by D-carvone administration against arthritic rats. D-carvone significantly modulated inflammatory cytokine levels and improved the ankle joint pathology against CFA-induced arthritic inflammation. In conclusion, D-carvone proved significant anti-arthritic activity against CFA-induced arthritis in rats.

Artemisia annua, a Traditional Plant Brought to Light

Traditional remedies have been used for thousand years for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. Of growing interest, the plant Artemisia annua, known for its malarial properties, has been studied for its numerous biological activities including metabolic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory properties. Artemisia annua is very rich in secondary metabolites such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenolic compounds, of which the biological properties have been extensively studied. The purpose of this review is to gather and describe the data concerning the main chemical components produced by Artemisia annua and to describe the state of the art about the biological activities reported for this plant and its compounds beyond malaria.

R-(-)-carvone Attenuated Doxorubicin Induced Cardiotoxicity In Vivo and Potentiated Its Anticancer Toxicity In Vitro

Background:

Doxorubicin is one of the most potent broad-spectrum antitumor and chemotherapeutic agents. However, it produces cardiotoxicity.

Aims:

To investigate whether R-(-)-carvone exerts a cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin toxicity in vivo and in vitro.

Study Design:

Cell culture and animal experiment.

Methods:

The synergistic effect of R-(-)-carvone with doxorubicin was evaluated in the MCF 7 cancer cell line while its protective effect against doxorubicin toxicity was evaluated in the normal heart cell line (H9C2) and in vivo. Furthermore, the mechanism of its cardioprotective effect was studied.

Results:

R-(-)-carvone exerted cytotoxic action on the MCF 7 cancer cell line with an IC₅₀ value of 14.22 μM and potentiated the cytotoxic action of doxorubicin, while it decreased the toxicity of doxorubicin on a normal heart cell line. In BALB/c mice, R-(-)-carvone protected the heart from the toxic action of doxorubicin, as was evident by biochemical and histological studies. The protective effect of R-(-)-carvone on the H9C2 heart cell line and on heart in vivo was due to an increase in catalase activity.

Conclusion:

R-(-)-carvone has synergistic anticancer action with doxorubicin on the MCF 7 cell line while decreasing its cardiotoxicity.

Preventive effect of D-carvone during DMBA induced mouse skin tumorigenesis by modulating xenobiotic metabolism and induction of apoptotic events

The structural integrity and excellent immune system of the skin makes it a protective covering, inspite of its exposure to hazardous compounds. In the present study, the chemopreventive efficacy of D-carvone was studied in 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced skin carcinogenesis. DMBA (25 μg in 0.1 m L^-1acetone) was used to induce skin cancer in Swiss albino mice. Animals were randomly divided into six groups of six animals in each. Different concentrations of D-carvone (10, 20, 30 mg/kg body weight) were used to assess its anticancer effect. Tumor incidence, tumor volume, tumor burden, histological examination and levels of phase I and phase II detoxification agents were analyzed in experimental animals. Further, expression of p53 and various apoptotic proteins including- Bcl-2, Bax was analyzed using immunohistochemistry and enzymatic expression of apoptotic proteins caspase-3 and caspase-9 was carried out by using ELISA. We observed 100% tumor incidence in DMBA-painted animals and our results showed that D-carvone at 20 mg dose significantly prevents skin carcinogenesis. Our results also showed decreased levels of phase I enzymes (Cyt P450 and-Cyt b5) with increased levels of phase II enzymes (GR, GST and GSH) and increased expression of Bax, caspase-3 and caspase-9 with decreased expression of mutated p53 and Bcl-2 in animals treated with DMBA and D-carvone at 20 mg dose. The results of the present study suggest that D-carvone can be used as a chemopreventive agent against skin cancer, as it induces apoptosis in cancer. However, further studies are warranted to check chemopreventive efficacy of D-carvone on cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis before going to human trial.

BITC and S-Carvone Restrain High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity and Ameliorate Hepatic Steatosis and Insulin Resistance

PURPOSE

To investigate the preventative activity of benzyl isothiocyante and S-carvone against high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolic complications.

METHODS

Ten-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed a high-fat diet and injected intraperitoneally twice per week with benzyl isothiocyante, S-carvone, or vehicle for 8 weeks. The body weight, food intake, and body composition were monitored, and glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were performed at the end of the experiment. Serum and tissue samples were studied using serum biochemistry, histological, and gene expression analysis to define the effects of benzyl isothiocyante and S-carvone treatments on lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammatory responses.

RESULTS

Benzyl isothiocyante and S-carvone blocked high-fat diet-induced weight gain, fat accumulation in the liver, and insulin resistance. The beneficial effects were found to be associated with an improvement of expression of macrophage marker genes in white adipose tissue, including F4/80, Cd11b, Cd11c, Cd206, and Tnf-α, and reduced expression of genes (Pparγ2, Scd1, Cd36) responsible for lipid synthesis and transport in the liver.

CONCLUSION

Benzyl isothiocyante and S-carvone block high-fat diet-induced obesity and metabolism disorders and can be considered for management of the obesity epidemic that affects approximately 36% of adults and 17% of children in the USA.

Modulating Effect of Hypnea musciformis (Red Seaweed) on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidants and Biotransforming Enzymes in 7,12-Dimethylbenz (a) Anthracene Induced Mammary Carcinogenesis in Experimental Animals

Background:

Breast cancer is the second most widespread diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in women.

Objective:

The present work was carried out to evaluate the chemo preventive potential of Hypnea musciformis (ethanol extract) seaweed on oxidative stress markers, bio transforming enzymes, incidence of tumors, and pathological observation in 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) exposed experimental mammary carcinogenesis.

Materials and Methods:

Female Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Rats in the group 1 served as control. Rats in the group 2 and 3 received a single subcutaneous injection of DMBA (25 mg/kg body weight (b.w)) in the mammary gland to develop mammary carcinoma. In addition, group 3 rats were orally administrated with 200 mg/kg between of H. musciformis along with DMBA injection and group 4 rats received ethanolic extract of H. musciformis every day orally (200 mg/kg b.w) throughout the experimental period of 16 weeks.

Results:

Our results revealed that treatment with H. musciformis ethanolic extract to DMBA treated rats significantly reduced the incidence of tumor and tumor volume as compared to DMBA alone treated rats. Moreover, our results showed imbalance in the activities/levels of lipid peroxidation by products, antioxidant enzymes, and bio transforming phase I and II enzymes in the circulation, liver and mammary tissues of DMBA treated rats which were significantly modulated to near normal on treatment with ethanolic extract of H. musciformis. All these alterations were supported by histochemical findings.

Conclusion:

The results obtained from this study suggest that chemo preventive potential of H. musciformis ethanol extract is probably due to their free radicals quenching effect and modulating potential of bio transforming enzymes during DMBA exposed experimental mammary carcinogenesis.

SUMMARY

DMBA is a source of well-established site specific carcinogen

Hypnea musciformis act as a free radical quencher

Hypnea musciformis has a definite chemo preventive efficacy in experimental rats

H. musciformis is a resource of prooxidant/antioxidant balance and also its anti-proliferative effects

H. musciformis has a detoxificant in the mammary carcinoma.

Abbreviations Used: BRCA1: Breast Cancer Gene 1; BRCA2: Breast Cancer Gene 1; CYP: Cytochrome P450; DMBA: 7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene; DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide; H2O2: Hydrogen peroxides; LPO: Lipid peroxidation; PAH: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon; ROS: Reactive oxygen species; TBARS: Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances; GSSG: Oxidized glutathione.

Terpenoids as anti-colon cancer agents - A comprehensive review on its mechanistic perspectives

Multistep model of colon carcinogenesis has provided the framework to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of colon cancer. This multistage process of carcinogenesis takes a long period to transform from a normal epithelial cell to invasive carcinoma. Thus, it provides enough time to intervene the process of carcinogenesis especially through dietary modification. In spite of the in-depth understanding of the colon cancer etiology and pathophysiology and its association with diet, colon cancer remains a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Phytochemicals and their derivatives are gaining attention in cancer prevention and treatment strategies because of cancer chemotherapy associated adverse effects. Being the largest group of phytochemicals traditionally used for medicinal purpose in India and China, terpenoids are recently being explored as anticancer agents. Anticancer properties of terpenoids are associated with various mechanisms like counteraction of oxidative stress, potentiating endogenous antioxidants, improving detoxification potential, disrupting cell survival pathways and inducing apoptosis. This review gives a comprehensive idea of naturally occurring terpenoids as useful agents for the prevention of colon cancer with reference to their classes, sources and molecular targets. Based on the explored molecular targets further research in colon cancer chemoprevention is warranted.

Beneficial effect of carvone, a dietary monoterpene ameliorates hyperglycemia by regulating the key enzymes activities of carbohydrate metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic/endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate control of carbohydrate metabolism and causes serious health issues. This study evaluates the effect of carvone, a novel monoterpene ketone, on carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in the liver of normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40mg/kg b.w). STZ intoxication led to a significant increase in the levels of plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) and decrease in the levels of insulin and hemoglobin (Hb). The activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, glycogen, enzymatic antioxidants in pancreas and hepatic markers content were also altered. The daily oral administration of carvone (50mg/kg b.w) to diabetic rats for 30days resulted a significant decline in the levels of plasma glucose, HbA_1c and significant improve in the levels of Hb and insulin. The reversed activities of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, enzymic antioxidants and hepatic marker enzymes in diabetic rats were renovated to near normal level by the administration of carvone. The obtained results were compared with glyclazide, a standard oral hypoglycemia drug. Histopathological analysis of liver and pancreas and immunohistochemistry of pancreas revealed that treatment with carvone reduced the STZ-induced damage to hepatic and β-cells of the pancreas. From our results, carvone regulates carbohydrate metabolism by ameliorating the key enzymes in the hepatic tissues of STZ-induced diabetic rats however further studies and safety studies are needed to validate the effects of carvone.

Modulatory Effect of Taurine on 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)Anthracene-Induced Alterations in Detoxification Enzyme System, Membrane Bound Enzymes, Glycoprotein Profile and Proliferative Cell Nuclear Antigen in Rat Breast Tissue

The modulatory effect of taurine on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats was studied. DMBA (25 mg/kg body weight) was administered to induce breast cancer in rats. Protein carbonyl levels, activities of membrane bound enzymes (Na(+) /K(+) ATPase, Ca(2+) ATPase, and Mg(2+) ATPase), phase I drug metabolizing enzymes (cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5, NADPH cytochrome c reductase), phase II drug metabolizing enzymes (glutathione-S-transferase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase), glycoprotein levels, and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were studied. DMBA-induced breast tumor bearing rats showed abnormal alterations in the levels of protein carbonyls, activities of membrane bound enzymes, drug metabolizing enzymes, glycoprotein levels, and PCNA protein expression levels. Taurine treatment (100 mg/kg body weight) appreciably counteracted all the above changes induced by DMBA. Histological examination of breast tissue further supported our biochemical findings. The results of the present study clearly demonstrated the chemotherapeutic effect of taurine in DMBA-induced breast cancer.