The effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Helianthus annuus roots in pre-neoplasic lesion and colorectal structural organization in rats exposed to the carcinogen 1.2 dimethylhydrazine

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. Different organs of many plants, including Helianthusannuus (Asteraceae), have secondary metabolites that exhibit high cytoprotective activity and many of which have a cytotoxic effect on colorectal cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the in vivo anti neoplastic action of the hydroalcoholic root extract of H. annuus in carcinogenesis induced by 1.2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). The experimental groups were evaluated for 10 weeks with 0.9% NaCl (negative control), DMH+0.9% NaCl (positive control) and three different concentrations of the H. annuus extract (10, 100, 200 mg/kg) combined with DMH. The results of the qualitative phytochemical survey of the extract indicated the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins. There was a significant increase in the number of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and organizer regions of the nucleolus of enterocytes in treatments with DMH and the lowest concentration of sun flower extract, contrasting with the animal groups that received higher doses (100 and 200 mg/kg), groups which also showed a significant reduction in the serum level of nitrite/nitrate. The level of antioxidant minerals such as copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc was significantly reduced in the epithelium of ACF in animals receiving DMH alone or a smaller dose of the extract, compared to the control. The hydroalcoholic extract of H. annuus roots, especially at the highest dose used (200mg/kg), minimized colorectal morphological remodeling, reducing the development of precancerous lesions in animals exposed to the carcinogen.