Investigation the Protective Effect of Hot Chilli Extract (Capsaicin) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Induced in Hamsters

Abstract

Background and aim of the research: There are several convincing, epidemiological and experimental evidence that a vegetarian diet has an anti-cancer effect. Capsaicin is the active botanical ingredient found in red chili peppers. While the data strongly argue for the significant anticancer benefits of capsaicin, nevertheless much information is required to shed light on the anticancer molecular mechanisms to improve knowledge and suggest potential therapeutic mechanisms for capsaicin use against cancer.This research aims to investigate the potential protective effect of capsaicin on oral squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity in the cheek pocket of hamsters and to monitor the changes that occur at the histological level in the stages of cancer development.

Materials and Methods: The research sample consisted of 40 hamsters divided into two groups, the first group consisted of 20 hamsters whose cancer was induced by applying the carcinogen DMBA without giving hamsters capsaicin (a control sample), and the second group consisted of 20 hamsters whose cancer was induced while giving hamsters a substance Capsaicin in the digestive tract (study sample).Hamsters in both groups were sacrificed to groups of 5 hamsters at a time and at intervals (5 after 2 weeks, 5 after 6 weeks, 5 after 10 weeks and 5 after 14 weeks).And biopsies were taken from the carcinogenic cheek sinus and stained with the traditional staining (hematoxylin-eosin) and given a histological diagnosis of the degree of cancer development.Results: After comparing the biopsies of the control sample with the biopsies of the study sample, it was found that capsaicin was able to inhibit the development of cancer. The biopsies after 14 weeks in the study sample showed malformations of varying severity in the skin, while the biopsies of the control group after 14 weeks showed the development of cancer clearly in the tissue. connective tissue under the epidermis.Result: Capsaicin has a significant protective effect against the initiation and development of epidermal squamous cell carcinoma. It inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, which makes it a potential preventive agent that can be applied to humans predisposed to the development of epidermal squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth.