1998 Volume 25 Issue 2 Pages 63-70
Semecarpus anacardium Linn, nut milk extract, a herbal formulation, was investigated for its modulating effect on mineral levels in experimental hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of aflatoxin B1. Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium contents were analyzed in serum and liver homogenate samples. A decreased level of sodium and increased levels of potassium, calcium, and magnesium were observed in carcinoma-bearing rats. Oral administration of Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract (200mg/kg body weight/day) significantly reversed the mineral contents to near normal levels. These results suggest the improvement of mineral status by the extract, and indirectly indicate the curative efficacy of Semecarpus anacardium nut extract against aflatoxin B1-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Possible reasons for its restorative potency are discussed.
