Chemopreventive potential of phenolic compounds in oral carcinogenesis

•Chemopreventive botanical agents are a new therapeutic target in oral cancer.•Animals treated with phenolic compounds, particularly potassium apigenin and rosmarinic acid, showed a lower incidence of tumours.•Immunohistochemical (PCNA and p53) profile of the tumours has been performed.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the chemopreventive potential of phenolic compounds – potassium apigenin, cocoa, catechins, eriocitrin and rosmarinic acid in oral carcinogenesis induced in hamsters by means of the topical application of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene(DMBA).Study designAn experimental study at the University of Murcia.Methods50 male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) were divided into five groups of ten: Group I (control group): 0.5% DMBA; Group II: 0.5% DMBA + 1.1 mg/15 ml potassium apigenin; Group III: 05% DMBA + 2.5 mg/15 ml cocoa catechins; Group IV: 0.5% DMBA + 6 mg/15 ml eriocitrin; Group V: 0.5% DMBA + 1.3 mg/15 ml rosmarinic acid. The flavonoids were administered orally. All the animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks. Macroscopic, microscopic and immunohistochemical (PCNA and p53) analyses of the lesions were performed.ResultsAll the groups treated with phenolic compounds showed lower incidences of tumour, greater differentiation and lower scores in the tumour invasion front grading system in comparison with the control group. Potassium apigenin and rosmarinic acid achieved the best results, the former considerably reduced the carcinoma tumour volumes developed and both significantly reduced the intensity and aggression of the tumours. Immunoexpression of PCNA and p53 were significantly altered during DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis.ConclusionsAnimals treated with phenolic compounds, particularly potassium apigenin and rosmarinic acid, showed a lower incidence of tumours.