Authors: Ekpo G.I, Johnson J.T
Cancer is a major cause of death in developed countries and second in developing countries. Primarily, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents 4% of all types of new cases of cancer diagnosed globally and hence making it the most frequently diagnosed globally. This research studied the effect of some natural products (Ayurvedic) commonly used in the management of hepatitis and HCC on serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) concentration of animal with CCl4 induced hepatocellular carcinoma with the aid of providing and documenting information on some natural products which have been believed to be effective for the management of HCC using C-reactive protein as a marker. Albino rats of Wistar strain with weight range of 60-120g were used for this study. The animals were divided into seven (7) groups of five (5) rats each. Group 1 was the normal control and was not induced while animals in group 2 to 7 where all induced for HCC using CCl4. Group 2 served as positive control and where not treated while animals in group 3 to 7 received various form naturopathic treatment; Ganoderma lucidium, Astaxarthin, Liv52 HB and STC30 respectively. The treatment lasted for a period of three weeks (21 days). Twelve (12) hours after the last treatment, the animal where sacrifice under chloroform anesthesia and blood samples collected via cardiac puncture. The blood sample were allowed to clot by standing then centrifuged at 4000rpm for 10 minutes to separate the blood cells from serum. The serum was separated and used for C - reactive protein concentration estimation. Result of analysis showed the C-Reactive Protein concentration of all induced groups; groups 2 or positive control (584.20 ± 11.08), group 3 or Ganoderma treated group (491.40 ± 26.80), group 4 or Astaxarthin treated group (378.00 ± 37.25), group 5 or STC30 treated group (260.40 ± 5.75), group 6 or liv.52 HB treated group (491.00 ± 15.63) and group 7 or the mix treatment group (408.80 ± 8.54) where all significantly (P≤0.05) higher that of normal control or group 1 (23.44 ± 2.88) indicating an ongoing inflammation occasion by possible carcinoma. However, the CRP concentration in all treated groups was significantly (p≤0.05) reduced compared with the positive control which was not treated. From our results, STC30 appeared to be more potent in reducing the CRP concentration which is also a pointer to reversal of possible cause of inflammation which triggered elevated CRP. Other products used for treatment also showed varying capability is ameliorating CRP triggers which in this study was Hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusively, significant reduction in CRP levels following various treatment may indicate that the natural products are capable of reducing inflammation caused by the induced hepatocellular carcinoma.
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