Tumor suppressing ability of myrtenal in DMBA-induced rat mammary cancer: A biochemical and histopathological evaluation

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and a major cause of deaths. 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) is often used to induce breast cancer in rats. This study investigates the potential of myrtenal to prevent breast cancer caused by DMBA in female Sprague-Dawley rats. This study evaluates the dose-dependent chemopreventive effect of myrtenal in female Sprague-Dawley rats with mammary tumors induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). The subcutaneous injection of DMBA alone in rats resulted in 100% tumor incidence accompanied by an increase in tumor burden, volume, and significant biochemical disruptions. Myrtenal at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was orally administered to DMBA-treated rats, and its protective efficacy was evaluated through tumor inhibition potential, histopathological, and biochemical analyses. Myrtenal treatment caused a dose-dependent reduction in tumor incidence and volume and restored altered biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation byproducts, antioxidants, and phase I and II detoxifying enzymes) toward normal. Histopathological findings further validated the protective effects of myrtenal. This study highlights the potent chemopreventive potential of myrtenal, particularly at 400 mg/kg. Myrtenal’s anticancer efficacy is primarily attributed to its strong antioxidant properties and its regulatory influence on the detoxification pathway.