There are a number of in vitro studies that demonstrate the cytotoxic effects of various terpenoids against proliferation, growth and invasion of a variety of liver cancer cell lines (Table 1).

Monoterpenes: Geraniol, an acyclic dietary monoterpene, represents the only monoterpene that has been studied in vitro against liver cancer cells. Geraniol was shown to inhibit the growth of HepG2 human hepatic carcinoma cells by decreasing 3-hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the major rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis in mammals[68].

Diterpenes: Andrographolide, a potential antiinflammatory diterpenoid lactone isolated from the traditional medicinal plant Andrographis paniculata, demonstrated inhibitory effects against the growth of hepatoma-derived Hep3B cells. Apoptosis as well as activation of the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways were shown to play an important role in the cytotoxic effect exerted by andrographolide[69].

Excisanin A, a diterpenoid compound purified from Isodon macrocalyxin D, was tested on human Hep3B liver cancer cells with positive results indicating growth inhibition mediated by apoptosis through inhibition of the AKT signaling pathway[70].

Gnidimacrin, a daphnane-type diterpenoid, was successfully shown to inhibit the growth of protein kinase C βII gene-transfected human hepatoma HLE cells through G₂ phase arrest, not only by the suppression of cdc2 activity, but also by the subsequent transcriptional suppression of cdc2 itself. There was also an increase in p21^WAF1/CIP1, a potent and universal inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinase-1 (cdk1)[71].

Oridonin, a diterpenoid isolated from Rabdosia rubescences, promoted cytotoxic activities against HepG2 cells through an increase in the apoptotic cell death process and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Increase in the tumor suppressor gene p53, apoptotic proteins, such as caspase-3, and -9, cytochrome c (cyt. c), and p38 protein expression with decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) were involved in the cytotoxic effects of this compound[72].

Triterpenes: Actein is an active component from the herb black cohosh [Actaea racemosa L. syn. Cimicifuga racemosa (L) Nutt]. Recent studies indicate that black cohosh may have chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic potential[73,74]. Actein was found to inhibit the growth of p53-positive HepG2 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 27 μg/mL[75].

Ardisiacrispin (A+B), a triterpenoid saponin mixture in the fixed proportion 2:1 of ardisiacrispin A and ardisiacrispin B, is derived from Ardisia crenata. This mixture exerted cytotoxic activity against Bel-7402 liver cancer cells through pro-apoptotic, anti-proliferative, and microtubule disruptive activities[76].

Astragaloside IV is the major active triterpenoid in Radix astragali, a dietary supplement widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat various cancers[77]. This compound decreased the colonogenic survival and inhibited anchorage-independent growth of HepG2 cells possibly by decreasing the expression of oncogene Vav3.1 and increasing the stress proteins, namely glucose-regulated protein BiP/GRP78, heat shock protein (HSP) 70, HSPA1A, and HSPA8[78].

Asiatic acid, a pentacyclic triterpene isolated from the Brahmi plant, Centella asiatica, was successfully tested for its apoptotic effects in HepG2 cells. This triterpene decreased the viablility of HepG2 cells mediated by an increase in intracellular calcium levels, which led to the increase in expression of the tumor suppressor gene p53[79].

BA, another pentacyclic triterpene, was significantly effective in inducing cytotoxicity in hepatoblastoma cell lines, namely HUH6, HepT1 and HepT3. Apoptosis through proteolytic cleavage of caspase-3 was found to be the primary mechanism involved in the antihepatoblastoma effects of this natural compound. BA also inhibited the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT pathway and target genes of hedgehog signaling, e.g. protein patched homolog 1, insulin growth factor 2, and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1[80]. Deregulation of the hedgehog signaling pathway plays a fundamental role in an increasing number of malignancies[81,82]. However, BA failed to induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells (known to lack activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway) but increased the protein levels of survivin and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2[80].

Cucurbitacins, a group of oxygenated triterpenes, are characterized by the presence of the tetracyclic cucurbitane skeleton. Cucurbitacin B, one of the most abundant forms of cucurbitacins, was found to effectively decrease the viability of HepG2 cells through apoptosis with a simultaneous decrease in the levels of the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Suppression of transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) phosphorylation was associated with the cell killing effect of this natural compound[83]. Chan et al[84] were successful in achieving similar growth inhibitory effects of cucurbitacin B in Bel-7402 cells. Treatment of Bel-7402 cells with cucurbitacin B also induced S phase arrest and apoptosis associated with down regulation of cyclin D1 and cdc-2. Additional studies indicated cucurbitacin B mediated the inhibition of c-Raf activation without any alteration of the STAT3 phosphorylation. Cucurbitacin D, isolated from Trichosanthes kirilowii, was shown to suppress the growth of Hep3b cells by apoptosis through caspase-3 and phosphorylation of JNK protein[85]. Meng et al[86] isolated cucurbitacins D and I from Elaeocarpus hainanensis and reported strong cytoxic effects of these compounds against Bel-7402 cells.

Echinocystic acid, a triterpene present in various herbs, is used for medicinal purposes in many Asian countries. This compound was shown to exhibit antiproliferative effects against HepG2 cells through typical apoptosis mechanisms, characterized by DNA fragmentation, activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, polypeptide poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, truncation of Bid, reduction of Bcl-2, loss of ΔΨm, cyt. c release and activation of JNK and p38 kinase[87].

Escin, a mixture of triterpene saponins extracted from Aesculus wilsonii Rehd., displayed its potency against HepG2 cell viability through disruption of the G₁/S phase of cell cycle progression and caspase-independent cell death via apoptosis-inducing factor/cyt. c translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus[88].

Ganoderic acid, produced by the submerged culture of Ganoderma lucidum, was effective in inhibiting the growth of Bel-7402 cells by blocking the transition of cells from G₁ to S phase[89]. Ganoderiol F, a tetracyclic triterpene isolated from Ganoderiol amboinense, induced antiproliferative effects through senescence in HepG2, Huh7 and Hep3b. Ganoderiol F treatment in HepG2 and Huh7 cells resulted in inhibition of DNA synthesis and arrest of cell cycle progression in G₁ phase. The inhibition of DNA synthesis in HepG2 cells was attributed to the suppression of topoisomerases I and II[90].

The triterpenoid ginsenoside-Rg1 failed to confer cytotoxicity against SK-Hep-1 cells and instead stimulated its growth through an increase in cyclin E and cdk2 protein expression[91]. Ginsenoside-Rg5, a new diol-containing ginsenoside, is isolated from red ginseng. This triterpenoid saponin was found to suppress the growth of SK-Hep-1 cells through cell cycle arrest in the G₁/S phase associated with downregulation of cdk2 activity. This was caused by selective induction of p21^WAF1/CIP1 with a concurrent decrease in cyclin E, cdk2 and cdc25A[92].

Ginsenoside-Rh2 inhibited DNA synthesis in SK-Hep-1 cells through cell cycle arrest in the G₁/S phase by selectively inducing p27^kip1 expression consequently downregulating cyclin E-dependent kinase activity[93]. A similar study conducted by Park et al[94] described an inhibitory effect of ginsenoside-Rh2 on the growth of SK-Hep-1 cells by apoptosis through Bcl-2-insensitive activation of caspase-3 followed by proteolytic cleavage of PARP.

Ginsenoside Rk1, obtained from heat-processed Panax ginseng C.A. MEYER, suppressed the growth of HepG2 cells associated with a significant inhibition of telomerase activity 48 h following the treatment. Moreover, this compound induced apoptosis through activation of caspase-8 and -3 with a decrease in Fas-associated death domain expression[95]. Interestingly, when HepG2 cells were incubated with ginsenoside Rk1 for 24 h, cell growth inhibition, G₁ cell cycle arrest and autophagy were observed[96].

Kim et al[97] reported the growth suppressive effects of ginsenoside Rs3 in SK-Hep-1 cells by apoptosis, cell cycle arrest in the G₁/S phase and selective elevation of the protein levels of p53 and p21^WAF1/CIP1 with a concurrent decrease in the activities of cyclin E- and A-associated kinases.

Gypenosides, triterpenoid saponins present in the extract from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino, were found to exhibit cytoxicity against HUH7, Hep3B and HA22T cancer cell lines through the intrinsic cell death pathway mediated by alteration of apoptosis-associated proteins, such as Bax, Bak, Bcl-X_L, Bcl-2, Bad, cyt. c, caspase-3, -9 and -8[98].

IH-901, a novel metabolite of the ginseng saponin, exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with simultaneous induction of apoptosis via mitochondrial-mediated pathway, which resulted in the activation of caspase-9 and subsequent mitochondrial pathway activation. Caspase-8 was shown to cleave Bid which subsequently relocated to the mitochondria and amplified the mitochondrial pathway activation[99]. IH-901 was also tested against SMCC7721 cells with antiproliferative and apoptotic effects via the mitochondrial-mediated pathway, which resulted in activation of caspase-9 and subsequently caspase-3 through release of cyt. c[100].

Kalopanaxsaponins A and I are two oleanane triterpene saponins isolated from the seeds of Nigella glanulifera. Through apoptotic mechanisms, these triterpenes displayed significant cyotoxicity against HepG2 as well as drug-resistant HepG2 (R-HepG2) cells[101].

Boswellic acids, natural compounds isolated from the gum resin of Bosewellia serrata, have recently drawn attention because of their potential as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents. Keto- and acetyl-keto-boswellic acids exhibited antiproliferative effects against HepG2 cells, with apoptosis accompanied by activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9 being the mechanisms by which the boswellic acids exerted their liver cancer cell killing effects[102].

Lucidenic acids A, B, C and N were isolated from Ganoderma lucidum, a well-known mushroom with pharmacological effects. These triterpenoid components exhibited antiproliferative and anti-invasive effects against HepG2 cells as evidenced by lucidenic acid-mediated inhibition of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-induced matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity[103]. Subsequent studies from the same group demonstrated that the anti-invasive effects of lucidenic acid B might be effected through inhibiting the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and downregulating MMP-9 expression by suppressing activator protein-1- and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)-DNA binding activities[104].

Lupeol, a novel dietary triterpene found in several fruits and vegetables as well as in a number of medicinal plants, greatly inhibited the growth of SMMC7721 cells with apoptotic death through activation of caspase-3 mediated by the downregulation of death receptor 3[105].

25-Methoxyhispidol A, a novel triterpenoid isolated from the fruit of Poncirus trifolata, was successfully shown to display antiproliferative effects against SK-Hep-1 cells. Apoptosis and G₀/G₁ phase arrest were suggested as the mechanisms of action. This correlated well with the downregulation of cyclin D1, CDK4, c-myc, and retinoblastoma protein expressions, along with the upregulation of p21[106].

The pentacyclic triterpene oleanolic acid (OA) proved its beneficial chemotherapeutic properties against HCC by inducing significant decrease in viability of various liver cancer cell lines, namely HepG2, Hep3B, Huh7 and HA22T. The observed elevation in caspase activities and DNA fragmentation suggested apoptosis to be a key mechanism in OA action. Concentration-dependent inhibition of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) levels along with that of VEGF, a pro-angiogenic protein, provided insight into specific targets of the anti-cancer effects of OA against liver cancer[107]. A similar study also reported the antiproliferative effects of OA in Huh7 cells through apoptosis associated with alteration in Bcl-2 family proteins and downregulation of NF-κB and the X-linked inhibitor of apoptotic protein (XIAP)[108].

UA, isolated from Aralia decaisneana, displayed anti-hepatoma activity against HepG2 and R-HepG2 cells through apoptosis and G₀/G₁ cell cycle arrest. UA-mediated downregulation of cyclooxygenase-2 and upregulation of HSP105 provided additional mechanisms[109]. UA was also found to exert antiproliferative effects against HepG2 cells through activation of apoptosis accompanied by a significant decrease in Bcl-2 and survivin expression[110]. Two recent studies confirmed the anti-tumor effects of UA using HepG2 as well as additional cell lines, such as Hep3B, Huh7 and HA22T. Ancillary studies revealed mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and inhibition of ICAM, VEGF, NF-κB and XIAP as underlying molecular mechanisms of UA action[107,108].

Waltonitone, a new pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Gentian waltonii Burkill, was found to inhibit the growth of BEL-7402 human hepatic carcinoma cells through apoptosis via the intrinsic and extrinsic cell death pathways. Waltonitone was found to upregulate the mRNA expressions of caspase-3, -8, -9, Bax, apoptotic protease activating factor 1 (apaf-1), Fas and FasL in BEL-7402 cells[111].

Two new triterpenoid saponins along with five other known triterpene compounds were extracted from Androsace umbellate and tested for their anti-tumor efficacies in HepG2 and Hep3B cells. The new triterpenoid saponins, namely 3-O-{β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosul-(1→4)-[β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranosl}-3-β-hydroxy13β,28-epoxy-16-oxo-oleanan-30-al and 3-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-L- arabinopyranosl-3β-hydroxy-13β,28-epoxy-16-oxo-oleanan-30-al, as well as the known triterpene compounds [3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoslcyclamiretin A, primulanin, saxifragifolin B, C and D were found to exert cytotoxity in the aforementioned liver cancer cell lines although the mechanisms of such effects were not elucidated[112]. A new triterpene compound, 20(R), 22(ζ), 24(S)-dammar-25(26)-ene-3β, 6α, 12β, 20, 22, 24-hexanol, and three known triterpenoids, β-D-glucopyranoside,(3β,12β)-12,20-dihydroxydammar-24-en-3-yl,6-acetate, 20(R)ginsenoside Rg₃, and 20(R)-ginsenoside Rh₂, isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng, exhibited various degrees of cytoxicity against HepG2 cells through p53-mediated cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via activation of the caspase signaling pathway[113].

Tetraterpenes: The effect of carotenoids, including astaxanthin and β-carotene, on the invasion of AH109A rat ascites hepatoma cells was investigated by co-culturing the hepatoma cells with rat mesentery-derived mesothelial cells. Both carotenoids inhibited AH109A invasion through antioxidant mechanisms[114]. Huang et al[115] showed that β-carotene effectively inhibited cell migration in SK-Hep-1 cell lines. The effects of astaxanthin and β-carotene on the proliferation and differentiation of isolated rat oval cells were investigated. Oval cells were isolated from the livers of rats subjected to partial hepatectomy or chronic diethylnitrosamine (DENA) treatment. Both compounds decreased the proliferation and intensified the differentiation of oval cells with increased expression of albumin, hapatoglobin and fibrinogen[116]. Recently, Yurtcu et al[117] reported the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of β-carotene in HepG2 cells as evidenced from increased apoptosis and necrosis. A concurrent increased in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances indicated elevated oxidative damage of β-carotene-exposed cells.

Fucoxanthin, an oxygenated carotenoid present in several types of edible seaweed, such as Laminaria japonica, Undaria pinnatifida and Hijikia fusiformis, was found to suppress the growth of HepG2 cells with inhibition of cell cycle arrest in the G₀/G₁ phase being the typical mechanism of action. Other mechanisms observed were decrease in the cyclin proteins D1, D3 and cdk4 with the inhibition of the phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma[118]. A separate study by Liu et al[119] described similar antiproliferative effects of fucoxanthin against SK-Hep-1 cells. Apoptosis was induced in these cells as well as cell cycle phase arrest at G₀/G_1. An upregulation of the connexin genes 43 (Cx43) and 32 (Cx32) provided evidence for the enhancement of gap junctional intercellular communication resulting in an increase in intracellular calcium concentrations. A decrease in the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK was also associated with fucoxanthin action.

Lycopene, the major carotenoid present in tomatoes and tomato-derived products, was found to decrease the invasive properties of AH109A rat ascites cells[114]. Park et al[120] demonstrated the inhibitory effect exerted by lycopene in Hep3B cells through mechanisms involving cell cycle arrest in the G₀/G₁ phase and DNA damage. This tetraterpenoid also effectively displayed antimigration and anti-invasive properties against highly invasive SK-Hep-1 cells which were associated with the increase of the metastasis suppressor gene, nm23-H1[115]. The study by Hwang and Lee[121] concluded with similar results displaying lycopene’s inhibitory effects on adhesion, invasion and migration of SK-Hep-1 cells. Additionally, these investigators showed a decrease in the activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Additional studies by Huang et al[122] demonstrated that lycopene strongly inhibited the invasion of SK-Hep-1 cells and this effect was mediated by inhibition of NF-κB and stimulatory protein-1 binding activity leading to a decrease in the secretion of MMP-9. Lycopene also decreased the level of ROS and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1R), albeit to a lesser extent[122].

Sesquiterpenes:α-Bisabolbol, a sesquiterpene, was found to induce cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. Apoptosis, through both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathway, was identified as the mechanism of action exhibited by this natural compound. Associated proteins of the apoptotic pathways, namely caspase-3, -8, Bax, Bak, cyt c., p53 and Fas were found to be increased with a concomitant decrease in the Bcl-2[123].

Dehydrocostuslactone (DHE), sesquiterpene lactone, exhibits its antitumor activity against different human hepatoma cell lines, namely HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5, through a wide variety of mechanisms. The anti-proliferative effects exerted by DHE in these cell lines involved apoptotic death of liver cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway mediated through increases in the pro-apoptotic proteins, decreases in the anti-apoptotic proteins, increases of caspase-3, -4, apoptosis-inducing factor and endonuclease G. DHE also triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress, as evidenced by changes in cytosol calcium levels, double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase phosphorylation, inositol-requiring protein 1 and CHOP/GADD153 upregulation, X-box transcription factor-1 mRNA splicing and caspase-4 activation[124].

Furanodiene, a sesquiterpene compound isolated from the essential oil of the Chinese medicinal plant Curcuma wenyujin, was found to inhibit the growth of HepG2 cells by causing cell cycle arrest at G₂/M phase and inducing apoptosis related to mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization, release of cyt. c, activation of caspase-3 and cleavage of PARP. These effects were associated with the activation of p38 and inactivation of ERK1/2 MAPK signaling cascades[125].

Antiproliferative effects along with redifferentiation were induced in SMMC-7721 human hepatoma cells by two highly oxygenated bisabolane-type sesquiterpenes, namely HOBS1 and HOBS2, isolated from Cremanthodium discoideum. These sequiterpenes arrested cell growth in the G₁ phase of the cell cycle, increased tyrosine-α-ketoglutarate transaminase activity, decreased α-fetoprotein (AFP) level and γ-glutamyl transferase activity[126].

Zerumbone (ZER), a cytotoxic component isolated from the wild ginger, Zingiber zerumbet Smith, was shown to induce significant antiproliferative activity against HepG2 cells through mechanisms involving an elevation of the apoptotic process with increase in the level of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and decrease of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 without involving p53[127].

In vivo studies

Although the various aforementioned in vitro studies demonstrated the antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of various terpenoids against a broad spectrum of liver cancer cells, surprisingly very few compounds from these studies have been further investigated for similar effects in vivo. Nevertheless, a large number of other natural terpenoids have been tested in vivo to show positive chemopreventive and antitumor potential against several animal models of liver cancer, with a few studies describing the lack of any beneficial effect produced by these compounds (Table 2). Most studies have been conducted in animals with chemically-induced liver tumors while other studies were conducted using xenografted animal models of liver cancer to test the potential beneficial effects of these natural terpenoid compounds.

Monoterpenes: Auraptene, a citrus antioxidant, was found to be effective in suppressing the DENA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male F344 rats upon dietary supplementation. A dose range of 100-500 ppm over a period of 7 wk inhibited the development of DENA-induced transforming growth factor (TGF)-α-positive foci and placental glutathione S-transferase (GSTp)-positive foci through mechanisms that include increase in apoptosis and decrease in cell proliferation[128].

Atleast two studies on the isoprenoid geraniol have contributed to its chemopreventive effects against hepatocarcinogenesis. Ong et al[129] found that oral geraniol treatment (250 mg/kg) for 8 wk in Wistar rats, initiated with DENA and promoted by 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF), decreased both hepatic remodeling and persistent GSTp-positive preneoplastic lesions. A recent and similar study by Cardozo et al[130] observed the same chemopreventive benefits of geraniol in male Wistar rats initiated with DENA promoted by phenobarbital (PB). Geraniol was found to suppress liver carcinogenesis by inhibiting the promotion phase through induction of apoptosis and reduction of hepatic membrane protein RhoA.

A number of in vivo studies have been performed with d-limonene showing its efficacy against HCC. From earlier studies, it has been shown that 0.5% d-limonene in diet has been responsible for a 32% inhibition of the GSTp foci in DENA-initiated and 2-amino-6-methyldipyrido [1,2-α:3’,2’-d] imidazole (Glu-P-1)-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in male F-344 rats[131]. Later studies demonstrated that d-limonene’s chemopreventive efficacy arises from its capability to block alterations in the level of oncogene expression both at the RNA and protein levels brought about by DENA alone or along with PB in the liver of AKR mice. Inhibition of the overexpression of c-myc and c-jun proteins, the characteristics of DENA hepatocarcinogenesis, is one mechanism by which d-limonene exhibits its anticarcinogenic effect[132]. According to a subsequent study, a potential role of d-limonene might involve modulation of the ying yang 1 protein which was found to be correlated with c-myc in DENA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis[133]. Kaji et al[134] confirmed d-limonene’s antitumor effect in Sprague Dawley rat hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosomorpholine. d-Limonene was found to reduce the incidence, number as well as the size of GSTp foci without the involvement of p21^RAS plasma membrane association. In 2002, the chemopreventive effect of orange oil (containing 90%-95% d-limonene) was tested and proved by Bodake et al[135]. Oral administration of orange oil for more than 5 mo following DENA treatment in male Wistar rats significantly suppressed the growth of liver tumors with the restoration of the normal phenotype and upregulation of gap junctional complexes.

Significant inhibition of liver tumors through a marked increase in the frequency of apoptosis was achieved by perillyl alcohol upon treatment of F344 rats challenged with DENA. In addition, the elevated expressions of mannose 6-phosphate/IGF receptor II and TGF-β type I, II and III receptors were also demonstrated as underlying mechanisms of perillyl alcohol’s chemopreventive activity[136].

Diterpenes: The antihepatocarcinogenic effect exerted by the antioxidant andrographolide extracted from Andrographis paniculata (Kalmegh) was demonstrated in male Swiss-albino mice challenged with benzene hexachloride (BHC). The oral administration of andrographolide resulted in suppression of BHC-induced hepatic nodules. Spectrometric analysis showed significant increases in glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzyme activities of glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) with concurrent decreases in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and GST[137]. A follow-up study confirmed the potent anti-tumor activity possessed by andrographolide. This study indicated a reversal of the histomorphological and ultrastructural changes induced by BHC, along with improved glycogenesis in the liver due to increased activities of glucose-6-phosphate and phosphorylase. Regenerative effects elicited by andrographolide were the result of decreased activities of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxalate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase (AP), ornithine carbomoyl transferase and acid phosphatase, all of which are markers of liver damage[138].

A recent investigation by Dhanasekaran et al[139] on the epoxy clerodane diterpene extracted from Tinospora cordifolia proposed increases in the hepatic antioxidant status of Wistar rats administered with DENA to induce HCC. Treatment for 8 wk at a dose of 8 mg/kg per day resulted in reduced incidence, multiplicity and size of hepatic nodules. The treatment was instrumental in increasing the level of detoxifying enzymes and bringing down the elevated levels of serum transaminase and hepatic marker enzymes to near normal.

Excisanin A, a diterpenoid compound extracted from Isodon MacrocalyxinD, was found to be an effective and potent tumor growth inhibitor in BALB/c nude mice implanted with Hep3B cells. A daily intraperitoneal (ip) injection of 10-20 mg/kg of excisanin A in this xenografted mouse model and the subsequent analysis of the tumor samples after sacrifice established the inhibition of the AKT signaling pathway in tumor cells. Upon performing the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay on frozen liver sections, TUNEL-positive cells were identified, indicating apoptotic activity in the tumor cells[70].

de Moura Espíndola et al[140] studied the anticarcinogenic effects of geranylgeraniol and showed the potential usefulness of this diterpenoid as a chemopreventive agent in hepatocarcinogenesis. Geranylgeraniol treatment administration to male Wistar rats subjected to DENA/2-AAF regimen resulted in significant reduction of nodule incidence and size. The antitumor activity of geranylgeraniol was closely interlinked to decreases in cell proliferation and DNA damage. Decreases in the transcription factor NF-κB and plasma cholesterol levels were also interesting hallmarks of the chemopreventive activity exhibited by geranylgeraniol in the initiation phase of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Triterpenes: Bacoside A, a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Bacopa monniera Linn., was studied for its chemopreventive potential against rat liver carcinogenesis induced by DENA. Treatment with bacoside A demonstrated the delayed development and growth of neoplastic nodules. The levels of AFP, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), ROS, lipid peroxides, GSH antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT, vitamins A and E and MMP-2 and -9 were decreased in the bacoside A-treated rats[141,142].

Two groups of researchers have investigated the chemopreventive effects of cucurbitacin B using xenografted mouse models of liver cancer. Zhang et al[83] showed the decrease in tumor volume along with tumor growth inhibition exerted by cucurbitacin B in mice xenografted with HepG2 cells, whereas Chan et al[84] demonstrated the inhibitory activity of cucurbitacin B on the growth of xenografted BEL-7402 tumor. Nevertheless, the in vivo mechanisms of such antitumor effects of cucurbitacin B were not studied.

Escin, a natural mixture of triterpene saponins, was evaluated by Zhou et al[88] to determine its antitumor efficacy against mice xenografted with H22 malignant HCC cells. Therapy with escin at a concentration of 1.4 mg/kg per day or 2.8 mg/kg per day for 7 d was conducted via ip injections in these animals. The highest dose of escin therapy was effective in significantly lowering the tumor weights compared to the controls.

Korean ginseng is one of the most widely used medicinal plants, particularly in traditional oriental medicine, and has a wide range of pharmacological and physiological actions[143,144]. These along with other beneficial effects prompted Abdel-Wahhab et al[145] to evaluate the chemopreventive effects of ginseng extract (GE) against precancerous lesions in female Sprague-Dawley rats treated with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and fumonisin. A dose of 150 mg/kg of GE for 12 wk inhibited hepatocarcinogenesis in these rats and decreased the levels of ALT, AST, CEA, malondialdehyde, and AFP with concurrent increases in serum albumin and high density lipoprotein levels compared to the positive controls. This study concluded that GE administration before or after treatment with mycotoxins could be effective in preventing hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

Shiota et al[146] earn the credit as the first group of researchers to have used glycyrrhizin as a chemopreventive agent against HCC in an experimental animal study. Their work demonstrated that glycyrrhizin decreased nodule incidence and HCC induced by DENA. Serum albumin and AST, markers of liver function, were found to be normalized following glycyrrhizin treatment. A later study conducted by Wan et al[147] evaluated the hepatoprotective and antihepatocarcinogenic effects of glycyrrhizin. This study reported the reduction in size, volume and number of hepatic lesions initiated by DENA and promoted with 2-AAF in male Sprague Dawley rats.

In contrary to all the above studies on triterpenes, the study conducted by Karim et al[148] on two fernane-type triterpenes, namely EC-2 and EC-4, did not observe any modifying effects on DENA-induced liver cancer in rats. No significant differences were observed in the number and area/cm² of GSTp-positive foci induced by DENA between the treatment and control groups. Neither was there any treatment-related variation in cell proliferation as demonstrated by 5-bromo-2’-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling.

Squalene, a triterpenoid present in olive oil, also failed to exhibit chemopreventive activities against DENA/2-AAF rat hepatocarcinogenesis model. Squalene induced an increase in levels of plasma cholesterol in the treated rats leading to hypercholesterolemia[149].

The in vivo chemotherapeutic efficacy of UA was first demonstrated by Tian et al[109] who used CD-1 mice implanted with H22 hepatoma cell lines. Results showed an inhibition in the growth of hepatoma in UA-treated mice. The drawback on using UA as a potential anti-hepatoma agent, as presented in this study, was the poor water solubility of UA which confines its potential use. A later study evaluated UA’s efficacy in DENA-initiated and PB-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis rats. Oral administration of UA at 20 mg/kg per day for 6 wk suppressed hepatocellular carcinogenesis and decreased lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls by about 52%, along with reversing the membrane damage and elevated glycoprotein levels[150].

Athymic nude BALB/c nu/nu mice implanted with BEL-7402 cells was used to generate the HCC model by Zhang et al[111] in order to study the chemopreventive characteristics exhibited by waltonitone, a new ursane-type pentacyclic triterpene isolated from Gentian waltonii Burkill. Results of this study showed a delay in tumor growth and inhibition of tumor weight in waltonitone-treated mice with HCC compared to the control. Western blotting analysis of tumor tissue indicated an increase in expression of proapoptotic proteins, such as cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9, suggesting the involvement of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in the chemopreventive effect of waltitonine.

Tetraterpenes: Tetraterpenes represent one of the most widely studied classes of terpenes for the chemopreventive and therapeutic treatment potential for HCC. Murakoshi

et al[151] described a study evaluating α-carotene’s chemopreventive effects against spontaneous liver carcinogenesis. Their study showed that α-carotene, obtained from palm oil, significantly decreased the number of hepatomas. α-carotene’s chemopreventive capability was confirmed by Tsuda et al[152] when they tested its effects (0.4 mg/animal) in both male and female B6C3F mice injected intraperitoneally with DENA and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea to produce a multiorgan carcinogenesis model. The results demonstrated that α-carotene reduced the number of liver tumors in both sexes.

Astorg et al[153,154] demonstrated in two studies that β-carotene failed to exhibit any chemopreventive activity against a variety of chemically-induced hepatocarcinogenesis models in rats. This includes absence of effects on the number and size of preneoplastic foci in male Wistar rats that were induced with DENA/2-AAF, DENA or 2-nitropropane (2-NP) to develop preneoplastic liver foci. A similar study, conducted by Tharappel et al[155] using the DENA hepatocarcinogenesis model in female Wistar rats, showed that β-carotene treatment for 12 wk failed to produce any modifying effect, reiterating the results obtained by the previous investigators. Contrary to these studies, Moreno et al[156], have provided substantial evidence, over two decades, on the chemopreventive as well as chemotherapeutic efficacies of β-carotene. In one of the early studies, a dose of 70 mg/kg of β-carotene for 2-8 wk

in the resistant hepatocyte model significantly reduced the incidence, multiplicity as well as the total number and size of hepatocyte nodules. β-carotene also attenuated the number of foci, average focal area and percentage of liver parenchyma occupied by these foci. These inhibitory effects were primarily exerted in the initiation phase of the hepatocarcinogenic process[156]. In another study, chronic administration of β-carotene throughout the study resulted in a drastic reduction in hepatocyte nodule incidence, total number of nodules and nodule multiplicity as well as the number and size of GGT-positive foci in DENA-initiated and 2-AAF-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in rats[157]. A similar study described decreases in the incidence and total number of hepatocyte nodules and GGT-positive foci upon treatment with β-carotene during early promotional phase of DENA-initiated 2-AAF-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. Additionally, this study showed remodeling of persistent hepatic lesions as a mechanism by which β-carotene exhibited its chemopreventive activity[158]. Along with the initiated hepatocytes, another group of cells known as “oval cells”, proliferate in the liver during rat and mouse hepatocarcinogenesis[159]. Dagli et al[160] showed that β-carotene was responsible for attenuating the development of GSTp foci along with decreasing oval cell reaction in Wistar rats submitted to the resistant hepatocyte model of carcinogenesis. Moreno et al[161] reported that β-carotene treatment during progression of chemically-induced liver cancer exhibited a lower of incidence of neoplastic lesions with reduction in hepatic BrdU labeling indexes indicating an inhibitory action of β-carotene on cell proliferation. β-Carotene’s chemopreventive activity was further explored during the initial phases of DENA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats, with results showing a decrease in cell proliferation and DNA damage in conjunction with remodeling of GSTp-positive lesions as likely mechanisms of action[162]. In a study with the 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis rat model, β-carotene in conjunction with anticancer drug, 5-azacytidine[163]. Conferred only weak chemoprotective effects. Studies by Sarkar and associates[164-167] using three different chemically-induced hepatocarcinogenesis models added extensively to the existing knowledge on mechanism-based chemopreventive properties of β-carotene. A treatment dose of β-carotene at 100-120 mg/kg per day from 4 to 20 wk in all these studies notably decreased nodulogenesis and hepatic chromosomal aberrations in male Sprague Dawley rats. This group of researchers provided extensive evidence of the antioxidant effects of β-carotene as the underlying mechanism of action. Decreases in hepatic DNA strand breaks, frequency of chromosomal aberrations, red blood cell protein damage and lipid peroxidation were observed. There were also decreases in hepatic GSH, GGT, GST, GPX, GR, SOD and CAT. Increased cytochrome b₅, vitamin A and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) levels also appeared as potential mechanisms by which β-carotene exhibited its chemopreventive activity. Bishayee et al[168] reported β-carotene to have a superior chemopreventive action to that of retinoic acid. As described in this study, β-carotene greatly reduced the incidence and multiplicity of nodules in DENA/PB hepatocarcinogenesis in rats with decreased levels of GSH, GGT, GPX and increased levels of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) and GST. Several other studies also demonstrated the chemopreventive efficacy exerted by β-carotene based on reduced number and size of GSTp foci. Interestingly, all these studies showed positive results in several rat hepatocarcinogenesis model induced by IQ, ethynlyestradiol or GLU-P-1[140,169,170]. Inhibition in the formation of IQ-DNA adducts with decreases in CYPA1A2 protein expressions was a characteristic effect of β-carotene treatment in male F344 rats challenged with IQ[171]. Utilizing a multiorgan carcinogenesis model in B6C3F1 mice, Tsuda et al[152] were successful in showing a reduction in the number of liver tumors with β-carotene treatment. However, the results of this study were only significant in male B6C31 mice and not in the female mice model. Gradelet et al[172,173] investigated the chemopreventive effect of dietary β-carotene during initiation of AFB₁-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. They demonstrated a reduction in hepatocarcinogenesis as evidenced from a decrease in number and volume of GSTp foci possibly due to deactivation of AFB₁ metabolism towards detoxification pathways. Results of an interesting study on toad liver carcinogenesis suggested β-carotene inhibition in liver tumor formation induced by 7, 12, dimethylbenz(a)anthracene in female toads[174]. Chattopadhyay et al[175,176] conducted two similar studies that involved β-carotene treatment in male Sprague-Dawley rats initiated with DENA. The authors effectively proved β-carotene’s chemopreventive capability as indicated by suppression in the formation of GSTp foci along with reversal of hepatic histomorphological changes in DENA-initiated animals[175]. Mechanistic studies revealed that dietary supplementation of β-carotene decreased the levels of hepatic GSH, GST and DNA single strand breaks[175,176]. The latter study also investigated various mineral levels following β-carotene treatment and found that levels of calcium, copper and zinc were increased while levels of manganese, iron, potassium and selenium appeared to have decreased in the blood of experimental animals[176]. Another interesting observation from these studies was that anticarcinogenic micronutrient vanadium[177] was found to augment the effects of β-carotene[175,176].

Studies have been also been performed with various carotenoid triterpenes, such as β-apo-8’carotenal, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin, to determine their possible chemopreventive efficacies against liver cancer. However, only two studies were successful in achieving any beneficial effects exerted by these carotenoids. Astorg et al[153,154] conducted two studies with canthaxanthin and astaxanthin, and did not observe any preventive effects exerted by them against chemically-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats. A dietary treatment regimen of either carotenoid at 300 mg/kg for 3 wk did not modify the number and size of GGT or GSTp foci in rats subjected to DENA or 2-NP hepatocarcinogenic regimen. On the contrary, two other studies[172,173] demonstrated chemopreventive effects of dietary β-apo-8’carotenal, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin against AFB₁-initiated hepatocarcinogenesis in rats as evidenced by a reduction in the number and size of GSTp-positive preneoplastic foci. An improved detoxification of AFB1 metabolism has been proposed as the basis of the observed protective effects of these carotenoids against rat liver carcinogenesis.

Dietary isoprenic derivatives, including β-ionone, a cyclic isoprenoid present in grapes and wine, represent a promising class of chemopreventive agents[178-180]. β-Ionone was found to inhibit hepatic preneoplastic lesions with a decrease in cell proliferation, inhibition of plasma cholesterol and amelioration of DNA damage during the initial phases of hepatocarcinogenesis initiated with DENA and promoted by 2-AAF in rats[140]. A later study conducted using a similar hepatocarcinogenesis model documented the antihepatocarcinogenic effects of β-ionone during the promotional phase with a concurrent inhibition of cell proliferation and modulation of HMGCoA reductase[130]. These two studies warrant further investigations into the chemopreventive efficacies of β-ionone against liver cancer.

The carotenoid lutein was successfully shown to be an effective chemopreventive agent against DENA-initiated and 2-AAF promoted hepatocarcinogenesis by two studies in Wistar rats. Lutein when administered at 70 mg/kg per day for 8 wk played an important role in reducing the number and size of GSTp foci with a concurrent decrease in DNA damage[181]. Moreno et al[182] however showed that lutein presented its inhibitory actions during promotional stage but not during the initiation phase of hepatocarcinogenesis. During the initiation phase lutein did not inhibit nor induce hepatic preneoplastic lesions or DNA damage. However, treatment during the promotional phase inhibited the size of nodules with reduced DNA damage. Accordingly, lutein has been classified as a suppressing agent.

Another carotenoid studied with great expectations for its chemopreventive potential is lycopene. While several laboratories reported potential beneficial effects, others demonstrated the lack of effects exerted by lycopene. Studies conducted by Gradelet et al[172,173] showed that dietary lycopene treatment failed to show any modifying effects, either on the initiation or on the promotional phases of hepatocarcinogenesis induced by AFB₁ in male Wistar rats. Similar results were reported by Watanabe et al[183]

indicating that lycopene failed to produce any chemopreventive effect against spontaneous HCC in Long-Evans Cinnamon rats. Few other studies conducted with different treatment regimens of lycopene arrived at conclusions that were contrary to the aforementioned studies. Astorg et al[154] showed significant decreases in GSTp foci including decrease in liver volume occupied by the foci. They also concluded that lycopene’s chemopreventive effects were due to its modulating effect on the liver enzyme activating DENA, namely CYP2E1. Three other research groups[155,181,184] conducted their studies using several chemical hepatocarcinogenesis model and observed similar end points as Astorg et al[154]. All three research groups observed the chemopreventive effects of lycopene on hepatocellular carcinogenesis induced by DENA in rats as indicated by inhibition of GSTp foci. Wang et al[184] confirmed the efficacy of lycopene against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis and provided several molecular mechanisms, such as lowering of protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, cyclin D1, and NF-κB as well as induction in nuclear NF-E2 related factor-2 and heme oxygenase-1 protein expressions. The efficacy of tomato extract (TE) as a chemopreventive agent against DENA-initiated NASH-promoted hepatocarcinogenesis in male rats was also investigated. TE supplemented in the diet at a concentration of 250 mg/kg per day for 6 wk produced similar inhibitory effects to lycopene on the development of GSTp foci. Ancillary studies showed decreases in CYP2E1, inflammatory foci and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, namely TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12.

Sesquiterpenes: The chemotherapeutic effects of DHE, a medicinal plant-derived sesquiterpene lactone, have been investigated in male nude mice subcutaneously (sc) injected with PLC/PRF/5 human liver cancer cells. DHE treatment (10 mg/kg per day carried out for 45 d) elicited a significant decrease in tumor volume. Tumor samples analyzed from DHE-treated animals displayed TUNEL-positive cells indicative of apoptosis within the tumor. ER-stress related proteins, namely inositol-requiring protein-1 and phospho-PKR-like ER kinase, were found to be increased in DHE-treated animals[124].

Ong et al[129] studied the chemopreventive effects of the sesquiterpene farnesol using Wistar rats submitted to the RH model of hepatocarcinogenesis. Farnesol inhibited the incidence and mean number of visible hepatocyte nodules, as well as the size of total, persistent and remodeling GSTp-positive preneoplastic lesions. Farnesol was also found to inhibit tumor cell proliferation and HMG-CoA reductase activity, thus reducing synthesis of cholesterol and intermediates of the mevalonate pathway, such as farnesyl pyrophosphates[185]. The study also highlighted that the chemopreventive effects exerted by farnesol did not involve the farnesoid X activated receptor.

ZER, a monosesquiterpene, was assessed for its chemopreventive properties against DENA-initiated and 2-AAF-promoted liver carcinogenesis in rats. ZER was administered (ip) for at 15-60 mg/kg body weight for

11 wk. Histopathological observation showed the antihepatocarcinogenic effects of ZER. Serum levels of ALT, AST, AP and AFP were found to be lower in ZER-treated rats. ZER treatment also reduced oxidative stress and proliferation accompanied with apoptosis. An increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 protein expression have been postulated as the mechanistic basis of proapoptotic properties of ZER during experimental hepatocarcinogenesis[186].