Evaluation of Hepatoprotective and Anticancer Properties of Aqueous Olive Leaf Extract in Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats

Objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. We aimed to test the role of aqueous olive leaf extract (AOLE) in modulating metabolic disorders occurring in hepatic malignancy induced by trichloroacetic acid (TCA). Design: Eight groups of rats were assigned as follows: First, untreated normal control. Second, treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), (75mg/kg), intraperitoneally (IP) once weekly for 3 weeks. Third, treated with oral AOLE (500mg/kg) once daily for 28 days. The 4 th group co-treated with AOLE and 5-FU as mentioned above. The 5 th group treated with oral daily doses of TCA (500mg/kg) for five days. The 6 th group treated with TCA for 5 days, from the sixth day with 5-FU for 3 weeks. Group 7 given TCA then, with AOLE. Group 8 received TCA, 5-FU and AOLE. Blood samples were withdrawn after 28 days from carotid vein. Liver tissues were histologically studied. Results: TCA showed neoplastic tissue features, greatly improved by treatment with AOLE and 5-FU combination. TCA significantly increased blood ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acetyl CoA synthase (fatty acid synthase , FAS) activities, total bilirubin (T Bil) , triglycerides (TG), total glycosaminoglycans (TGAGs), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), reduced serum total lipoprotein lipase (TLPL) activity. AOLE, combined with 5-FU produced a pronounced improvement in most of studied parameters. Conclusion: AOLE showed promising hepatoprotective and adjuvant anticancer properties if combined with 5-FU.