Metabolic Regulation and Anti-Oxidative Effect of Ferula Asafoetida Ethanolic Extract on children with leukemia

Background: Childhood leukemia, the most common type of cancer in children and teens, is a cancer of the white blood cells. As antioxidants can promote immune system against all types of cancer, the aim of this study was to explore the metabolic regulation and anti-oxidative effect of sesquiterpen-rich extract of Ferula Asafoetida (FA) on children with leukemia. Materials and Methods: In this study, 75 leukemic children with a mean age of 5 to 12 years old were treated with doses of 50 and 100 mg of FA extract daily. Then metabolic profile and oxidative biomarkers were assessed. ROS (Reactive oxygen species) and vasculature enzymes SOD (superoxide dismutase)/ CAT (catalase) in the action of extract were also examined. Results: Receiving FA extract reduced glucose levels of plasma significantly from 105.42±45.22 to 81.40±41.74 mg/dL in 50 mg group and from 101.72±38.82 to 65.86±40.10 mg/dL in 100 mg group (p < 0.05). There was also a considerable decrease in the plasma level of TC. Mean value of TG level was also significantly reduced and level of LDL-C (low lipoprotein-C) significantly decreased too; however, level of HDL-C (high lipoprotein-C) increased. Moreover, the Sesquiterpene-rich extract significantly increased the activity of SOD/CAT and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in patients (P<0.05). Notably, sesquiterpens significantly prevented protein and lipid peroxidation (PCO (Plasma protein carbonyls) / MDA (malondialdehyde) (P<0.05). Conclusion: Treatment with Ferula Asafoetida ethanolic extract regulated the metabolic pathway. Sesquiterpens in the extract confers protection against oxidative stress-induced complications largely through interfering with ROS and PCO/MDA generation.