Trigonella foenum graecum and Saliva aegyptiaca modulates hepatic redox status in Ehrlich-ascites-carcinoma-bearing mice

Article history: Received on: 25/09/2013 Revised on: 02/11/2013 Accepted on: 25/11/2013 Available online:29/11/2013 The present study was carried out to assess the effect of plant's extract on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and its influence on redox status and tissue injury on liver. Among five groups of albino mice, three were treated with plant's extract, in addition, a group treated with the standard drug, 5-fluorouracil. Ascites tumor was introduced into female mice by inoculation of 2.5 x 10 viable tumor cells/mouse. After 5 days of transplantation, the extraction of Saliva aegyptiaca (Egyptian sage) and Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) were given daily for 4 days via intraperitoneal route at a dose level of 55 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, to mice bearing EAC cells. The results revealed that both Egyptian sage and fenugreek normalized oxidative stress in liver of mice-bearing EAC cells evidenced by increasing the level of glutathione. On the other hand, significant decreases in the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide were demonstrated in liver indicating controlled oxidative stress in these animals. As a consequence, Egyptian sage and fenugreek regulated liver enzymes namely alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and total bilirubin. Regarding to histopathological results, treatment with Egyptian sage and fenugreek extracts diminished most of the pathological alterations induced by EAC cells in mice. In conclusion, the present data suggested that Egyptian sage and fenugreek as a potential therapeutic complement in the treatment of different pathologies that may be related to an imbalance of the cellular oxidoreductive status associated with liver injury.