Protective Effect of Irvingia gabonensis leaf Extract and Fractions on N-methyl-Nitrosourea (NMU) and Testosterone Induced Prostate Cancer in Rats

Abstract

Background: The urgency of alternative, effective and less toxic treatment options has driven research towards natural products of plant sources. Irvingia gabonensis possesses promising anticancer properties due to its rich phytochemical content and antioxidant potential. Objective: This study investigated the antioxidant properties and anticancer effect of I. gabonensis leaf extract and its fractions in a rat model of prostate cancer. Method: Prostate cancer was induced in Wistar rats using N-methyl-nitrosourea (NMU) and testosterone. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, liver function enzymes, and antioxidant markers (catalase, GSH, SOD) were evaluated, and histological analyses of prostate and liver tissues were performed by Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. Phytochemical characterisation of the crude extract was conducted using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy. Data analysis was performed by ANOVA at 95% confidence level. Result: Treatment with the I. gabonensis extract and fractions led to consistent weight gain and decreased PSA levels that were significant (p<0.05) to the cancer control group. The dichloromethane fraction significantly (p<0.05) increased catalase activity, and the methanol fraction significantly (p<0.05) increased GSH levels. Histological examination revealed preserved prostate tissue integrity in the treated groups compared to the untreated cancer group, although the treated groups exhibited some changes in liver function markers and histology. Phytol (17.07%), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (16.28%), 9-hexadecenoic acid, methyl ester (5.36%), 7-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (7.11%), n-hexadecanoic acid (7.45%), and oleic acid (5.84%) were identified in abundance. Conclusion: I. gabonensis leaf extract and fractions exhibited anti-prostate cancer effects by modulating antioxidant defence mechanisms, but the observed effects on liver function require further investigation.