Naringin accelerates the regression of pre-neoplastic lesions and the colorectal structural reorganization in a murine model of chemical carcinogenesis

•We investigated the effect of Naringin on colorectal pre-neoplastic lesions previously induced in rats.•Naringin reduced cell proliferation, and iron levels, and recovery antioxidant mineral levels in colonic tissue.•Naringin reduced mucosa dysplasia, cell mitosis, and depletion of cells producing acidic and neutral mucins.•Naringin accelerates the regression and reduce the severity of colorectal pre-neoplastic lesions in rats.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Naringin on pre-neoplastic colorectal lesions induced by chemical carcinogen in rats. Female Wistar rats weighing 130.8 ± 27.1 g received weekly one subcutaneous injection of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH, 20 mg/kg) for 10 weeks. The animals were divided into 5 groups with 6 animals in each group. Group 1: 0.9% saline; Group 2: DMH + 0.9% saline; Group 3: DMH + Naringin (10 mg/kg); Group 4: DMH + Naringin (100 mg/kg); Group 5: DMH + Naringin (200 mg/kg). G2 and G3 showed a significant increase in ACF number, AgNOR/nucleus and mitosis compared to G1. G4 and G5 presented a significant reduction in these parameters compared to G2. The number of cells producing acidic and neutral mucins, red blood cells and the level of antioxidant minerals, such as copper, magnesium, selenium and zinc, were significantly reduced in G2 and G3, but similar in G4 and G5 compared to G1. Naringin, especially at 200 mg/kg, was effective in reducing the number of pre-neoplastic lesions in rats exposed to DMH. Some of these effects may be due to reduction in cellular proliferation and tissue levels of iron together with the recovery of antioxidant mineral levels induced by this flavonoid.