Modifying effects of morin on the development of aberrant crypt foci and bacterial enzymes in experimental colon cancer

Chemopreventive agents are used to diminish the morbidity and mortality of cancer by delaying the course of carcinogenesis. Formation of ACF and amplified activity of colon biotransforming enzymes were considered to be hallmarks of colon carcinogenesis. Morin, a bioflavonoid present in fruits and show various pharmacological and biological activities. Our present study, shows the modulatory effect of morin administration on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rat colon, and fecal and mucosal biotransforming enzyme activities. A total of 64 rats were randomized into four groups. Group 1 served as control, groups 2 and 4 received 50 mg/kg b.w. of morin intragastrically for the entire period of the study (30 weeks). Groups 3 and 4 received subcutaneous injection of DMH (20 mg/kg b.w.) for 15 weeks. Rats were sacrificed at the end of 30 weeks. The incidence of tumors/polyps in the colon cancer of rats and treated with morin showed reduced incidence (40%) of tumors, as compared to DMH (100%) treated rats. Morin administration significantly reduced ACF formation and lowered the activities of fecal and mucosal biotransforming enzymes. Our findings suggest that morin (50 mg/kg b.w.) may be a possible chemopreventive agent against colon cancer.