Chemopreventive effects of Momordica charantia and Ocimum basilicum via p53 modulation in AOM-induced colon cancer
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Abstract. Okelola CA, Ezima EN, Odufuwa KT, Adegbesan BO, Abisoye SB, Okelola TC. 2025. Chemopreventive effects of Momordica charantia and Ocimum basilicum via p53 modulation in AOM-induced colon cancer. Asian J Trop Biotechnol 22: 56-63. Colon cancer is a major global health concern and is often associated with mutations in tumor suppressor genes such as p53. While chemotherapy remains the mainstay treatment, its side effects highlight the need for safer plant-based alternatives. Momordica charantia and Ocimum basilicum are medicinal plants with reported antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. This study aimed to evaluate the chemopreventive effects of aqueous extracts of these plants on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats, with emphasis on p53 modulation. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: positive control (PC, no AOM), negative control (NC, AOM only), and three treatment groups receiving AOM plus extract combinations at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day for four weeks. Colon tissues were analyzed by histopathology and p53 gene expression was quantified using qRT-PCR. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols in both extracts. Histological evaluation showed improved mucosal architecture and reduced dysplasia in treated groups compared with NC rats. Gene expression analysis revealed that AOM exposure upregulated p53 in the NC group, indicating genotoxic stress, whereas high-dose treatment (200 mg/kg) restored p53 expression to near-normal levels. These results suggest that the combined extracts reduce DNA damage, support tissue recovery, and suppress abnormal proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, aqueous extracts of M. charantia and O. basilicum demonstrate significant chemoprotective effects in AOM-induced colon carcinogenesis, likely mediated through p53 modulation. This study provides preclinical evidence supporting their potential as safe, phytotherapeutic candidates for colorectal cancer prevention.
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