Preventive potential of Cinnamomum cassia extract on aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in the colon of azoxymethane-treated mice.

Abstract

Cinnamon, which is known to contain a high amount of primary polyphenolic antioxidants, was tested for its possible preventive potential against aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation and subsequent colon cancer development. ICR male mice were divided into six (6) groups: one positive control group (AOM Only), three negative control groups (Saline Only, Saline + Low, Saline +High) and two treatment groups (AOM + Low, AOM + High). On Day 21 and 35, mice were sacrificed for colon extraction and subsequent histological analysis. Results revealed an increasing trend for mean ACF number, mean tumor number, crypt multiplicity and degree of dysplasia in Saline groups treated with low and high doses of cinnamon, showing prooxidant activity. A generally decreasing trend was found for AOM groups with low and high doses of cinnamon showing antioxidant activity. The low dose of cinnamon showed prevention for mice sacrificed on Day 21 while the high dose showed prevention at Day 35 of cancer progression. The distal colon was found to be more susceptible to carcinogenesis than the proximal colon. Significant correlation was found between the day of sacrifice and mean tumor number, day of sacrifice and crypt multiplicity, and, day of sacrifice and moderate dysplasia revealing how preventive potential is related to phases of cancer development. Cinnamon was thus found to exhibit both antioxidant and prooxidant activities which are time- and dose-dependent.