Semecarpus anacardium L. nut extract administration induces the in vivo antioxidant defence system in aflatoxin B1 mediated hepatocellular carcinoma

The antioxidant defence system which plays a critical role in carcinogenesi s is severely altered in aflatoxin B-t induced hepatocellular carcinoma con ditions. In order to assess the antitumour activity of Semecarpus anacardiu m nut extract, a flavonoid containing drug, non-enzymic antioxidant levels were analysed in control and experimental animals. Plasma was analysed for uric acid, vitamin E and vitamin C. Glutathione, total thiols, non-protein thiols, vitamin E, vitamin C and cytochrome P450 were estimated in liver an d kidney homogenates. Depletion of all these antioxidants were recorded in cancer conditions. These deleterious effects are controlled by the administ ration of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract. Following drug administration, there was a marked increase in antioxidant levels and a dramatic elevation in cytochrome P450 content. It can be concluded that the observed anticanc er property of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract may also be explained by i ts strong antioxidant capacity and capability to induce the in vivo antioxi dant system. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.