Protective effects of Neolamarckia cadamba on DMBA-induced mammary tumours: A histopathological study

Abstract

Breast cancer is still a significant worldwide health concern; hence safer treatment options must be developed. A popular Ayurvedic medicinal herb, Neolamarckia cadamba, shows encouraging anticancer potential. This study used histopathological examination to assess the preventive effects of Neolamarckia cadamba (MENC) methanolic extract against 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary cancers in female rats. A single subcutaneous injection of DMBA (20 mg/kg) resulted in mammary tumor. Rats were split into five groups: normal control, tumor control, tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg), and two MENC treatment groups (250 and 500 mg/kg). In the tumor control group, histopathological analysis of breast tissues showed poorly differentiated grade III adenocarcinoma with a high mitotic index (12–14/HPF). Rats given tamoxifen displayed ductal hyperplasia without cancer. MENC-treated groups, on the other hand, showed well-differentiated grade I adenocarcinoma with decreased mitotic activity (7–8/HPF), low pleomorphism, increased fibrous stroma, lymphocytic infiltration, and apoptotic features, all of which suggested tumor regression. Liver sections demonstrated dose-dependent protective effects, while lung histoarchitecture remained normal. These results validate Neolamarckia cadamba's preventive and histomodulatory function in DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis.