Evaluation of Anti-Tumorigenic Effects of Curcumin and Baicalein in 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a] Anthracene-Induced Mammary Gland Tumorigenesis in Wistar Rats.

Abstract

Mammary tumor is one of the most common neoplasms in females and remains a major therapeutic challenge due to the high cost and adverse effects of conventional chemotherapy. Therefore, herbal products such as curcumin, baicalein and their combination are used which have anti-inflammatory effects and various other pharmacological effects. The present study evaluated the effects of curcumin and baicalein against mammary tumor induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) in Wistar rats. Thirty-eight virgin female rats were divided into five groups: Group I (SHAM), Group II (DMBA @ 80 mg/kg BW orally single dose), Group III (DMBA @ 80 mg/kg BW orally + curcumin @ 100 mg/kg BW orally), Group IV (DMBA @ 80 mg/kg BW orally + baicalein @10 mg/kg BW i.p.), and Group V (DMBA @80 mg/kg + curcumin @100 mg/kg BW + baicalein @10 mg/kg BW). Curcumin and baicalein treatment demonstrated significant efficacy. Only small palpable growths were observed in treated groups and mild early neoplastic alterations were detected histologically, with the lowest incidence in the combination group. Curcumin and baicalein supplementation significantly ameliorated the DMBA induced changes in the body weight, hematological parameters (Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC, DLC), biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALKP, Total protein, glucose, BUN, Creatinine), oxidative stress parameters (NO, LPO, SOD, and Catalase), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-I, IL-6, TNF-α). Moreover, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers (e-cadherin, vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin) confirmed the ameliorative effect of curcumin and baicalein, most pronounced in the combination group. These findings suggest that curcumin and baicalein may exert synergistic beneficial effects, supporting their potential as chemopreventive agents.