Effects of Avocado (Persea Americana) and Sesame (Seasame Indicum) Seeds in the Management of Dmba-Induced Neoplasm in Wistar Albino Rats

Benjamin Benthai, Esther Alli, Joseph Appah, ThankGod Ositadinma Ndibe and Sani Jamilu
Keywords: Cancer cells, necrosis, neoplasm, Persea americana and tumours
Tropical Journal of Science and Technology 2023 4(2), 1-16. Published: December 23, 2023

Abstract

Cancer, a genetic disease, is one of the leading causes of death all over the world. Many plants have been reported as being useful in its management, as chemotherapy destroys the normal cells along with cancer cells. Alternative safer therapies such as herbal therapies are becoming increasingly more popular. This research determined the anti- neoplastic effect of avocado (Persea americana) and sesame (Sesame indicum) seeds on 7, 12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced neoplasm in albino rats. Standard methods were used to determine the phytochemical constituents, proximate and mineral composition of avocado and sesame seeds. Biochemical, haematological and histological studies were also carried out. Thirty albino rats divided into five groups of six each were used for the study. Result showed that tannins and flavonoids were present in both avocado and sesame seeds; whereas saponins were only detected in avocado. The protein content was higher in sesame (17.64%) than in avocado (1.47%). Mineral analysis showed the presence of potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc in both seeds. The total red blood cells of the animals ranged from 6.64 x1012/L to 8.92 x1012/L. The lymphocyte for control group, and groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 were 65%, 76%, 73%, 62% and 95% respectively. The amount of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was highest in group 4 (1352 μ/L) and least in group 3 (230 μ/L). There was no necrosis in the liver, skin, voice cord and mammary gland, except the mucosal gland of the colon of the neoplastic rats that showed some levels of tissue damage. A proof that organ injuries might not have occurred were evident in Alanine Transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate Transaminase (AST) levels which were not significantly different between the treated and the control groups. It can be concluded from this study that avocado and sesame seeds exert significant anti-neoplastic properties in rats