Crassocephalum rubens mitigates hepatic damage in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary gland toxicity in rats

Crassocephalum rubens has several medicinal properties, making it effective against several ailments, including its local use for treating liver problems and breast cancer. The effect of crude extract of Crassocephalum rubens (CECR) against liver damage in 7, 12 - dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary gland toxicity was investigated in female Wistar rats. Rats were divided into group of 5 (n = 8). Group 1 served as control. Animals in groups 2 to 4 were administered a single intraperitoneal dose of DMBA at 20 mg/kg. Groups 3 and 4 rats were thereafter treated with 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg b.w CECR, respectively, for 12 weeks. Rats in group 5 were given 500 mg/kg b.w. CECR only for 12 weeks. Effect of CECR on DMBA-induced anomalies was investigated by using various biochemical parameters, including liver marker enzymes, oxidative stress, and tissue histology and cell count. CECR ameliorated the hepatic damage accompanied with DMBA-induced mammary gland toxicity by mitigating the abnormal changes noted in the levels of the parameters investigated. This could be proved by a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the levels of serum transaminases, dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate malondialdehyde (MDA) and estrogen, and a significant (p<0.05) increase in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and liver cell count when compared with DMBA-intoxicated rats. The CECR, mostly at 500 mg/kg. b.w. dose, could serve as an alternative therapy against liver inflammation and oxidative stress associated with DMBA-induced mammary gland toxicity.