The Effects of Soursop (Annona muricata) Leaf Extract on a Precancerous Model of Colorectal Cancer in Rats

Danielea Lindsay (620024234) Abstract Introduction: Cancer is thought to be one of the many challenges being faced by individuals on a world-wide scale. In Jamaica, colorectal cancer remains the third commonest cancer in both males and females. This type of cancer is caused by different factors that include but are not limited to age, diet and lifestyle changes of people. Colorectal cancer is characterized by the presence of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), which are tube-like glands. They are formed as a result of mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene. Jamaica is a culturally based society; therefore folklore medicine is utilized as a treatment option for various diseases including cancer. The soursop (A. muricata) plant, which is a considered folklore medicine, produces leaves that are thought to possess powerful substances that are able to destroy cancer cells; however, its use in colorectal cancer has not been fully established. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether soursop (A. muricata) leaf extract is effective in reducing ACF formation in a precancerous model of colorectal cancer in rats. Method: The study involved 12 female Sprague Dawley rats. A crude extract of soursop (A. muricata) leaf was obtained via different extraction procedures. The precolorectal cancer model was developed by administering 1, 2dimethylhydrazine (400 mg/kg) subcutaneously in the 12 rats. Before, during

and after induction, the crude extract of soursop leaf (5 mg/kg) was given by intra-gastric intubation to half the total number of animals. The other group was given distilled water during the same time period. At the concluding portion of the study, the rats were sacrificed using sodium pentobarbitone (120 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. The colons were dissected, stained with methylene blue and examined under a microscope for the presence of ACF. The dosing lasted for a total of 6 weeks. Results: The average weights of the rats from the study were 284.6 2.18g and 288.33.40g for the treatment and control groups respectively. There was a difference in the weights of the rats however, the difference was not significant (p=0.5). The weights of the rats fell during administration of the carcinogen and then gradually increased over the remainder of the time period. There was a significant difference (p=0.003) in the treatment and control groups based on the number of ACFs counted. In terms of distribution, majority (50% and 41.8%) of ACFs seen were located in the middle and distal portions in the treatment and control groups respectively. Conclusion: From the result collected, soursop (A. muricata) leaf crude extract was effective in reducing the development of colorectal cancer in rats. Analysis of the data (p=0.003) resulted in the rejection of the null hypothesis as the soursop leaf extract was proven to be significantly different from the distilled water. Therefore the consumption of this extract may be effective in reducing the number of ACFs, thereby lowering the risk of colorectal cancer development in man.