Protective effects of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against Tamoxifen-induced pancreatic injury in female rats

Tamoxifen (TAM), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) widely used in breast cancer therapy, is associated with oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, and pancreatic toxicity. Saussurea lappa (S. lappa), a traditional medicinal plant, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of an aqueous extract of S. lappa root (AESL) against tamoxifen-induced pancreatic injury in female rats. Twenty-four female rats were divided into four groups: Control, AESL (200 mg/kg), tamoxifen (TMX, 40 mg/kg), and TMX + AESL, with oral administration for 28 days. Serum levels of amylase, lipase, triglycerides, free fatty acids, glucose, and insulin were measured, and pancreatic tissues were examined histologically. Tamoxifen treatment significantly increased serum amylase, lipase, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and glucose, while decreasing insulin levels compared to controls (p < 0.001). Co-treatment with AESL significantly reversed these biochemical alterations and improved pancreatic histology. These findings suggest that AESL exerts potent protective effects against TMX-induced pancreatic damage, potentially through antioxidant and insulin-sensitizing mechanisms, highlighting its potential as a phytotherapeutic agent for pancreatic protection.