Protective effect of Kalpaamruthaa in combating the oxidative stress posed by aflatoxin B1‐induced hepatocellular carcinoma with special reference to flavonoid structure–activity relationship

Aims/Background: Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxin. It has been postulated to play a major role in the aetiology of primary human liver cancer. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) is one of the main manifestations of oxidative damage and has been found to play an important role in the toxicity and carcinogenesis of many carcinogens. The present investigation aimed at assessing the effect of Kalpaamruthaa (KA), a modified Siddha preparation, on AFB₁‐mediated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: The drug was administered orally (300 mg/kg body weight/day) for 28 days to HCC‐bearing rats. The level of lipid peroxides, antioxidant enzymes, glutathione and glutathione‐metabolizing enzyme activity were determined in the plasma, haemolysate and liver homogenate of control and experimental rats. Results: Rats subjected to AFB₁ showed a decline in the thiol capacity of the cell, accompanied by high malondialdehyde levels along with lowered activities of enzymic and non‐enzymic antioxidant and glutathione‐metabolizing enzyme levels. KA treatment restored the deranged LPO and enzyme activities almost to control levels, thereby suggesting hepatoprotection. Conclusion: This study highlighted the beneficial effect of KA in reversing the damage posed by AFB₁ and thereby bringing about an improvement in the antioxidant status to combat the oxidative stress.