Unveiling the novel phytotherapeutic potential of Saussurea costus : Synergistic antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory pathways against colon cancer in a rat model

Colon cancer is a widespread and serious health issue around the world. Saussurea costus ( S. costus ) root, with its rich profile of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative properties, has been employed in traditional remedies for its potential therapeutic benefits. This research aimed to discover the chemopreventive properties of S. costus extract on colon cancer in a rat model, specifically investigating its potential to prevent or reduce tumor development induced by 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH). A total of thirty rats were divided randomly into five distinct groups: negative control, cancer group, reference group, and two groups administered S. costus at 250 and 500 mg/kg orally every day for twelve weeks. S. costus was found to be safe at doses of 2 and 5 g/kg, with no signs of acute toxicity. S. costus treatment significantly reduced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) incidence in colorectal specimens compared to cancer controls, which showed abnormal tissue morphology. Immunohistochemistry revealed S. costus modulated protein expression: increased pro-apoptotic Bax, decreased proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and HSP-70. S. costus boosted antioxidant defenses (increased dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA)) and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects (decreased IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6; increased IL-10) in sera, suggesting a potential anticancer mechanism involving antiproliferative, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions. In conclusion, S. costus showed safety and efficacy against colorectal cancer, characterized by reduced ACF, altered PCNA, HSP70, and Bax expression, increased SOD and CAT, decreased MDA, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6, and elevated IL-10, reflecting its antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant actions.