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Full Research Article

Anticancer Activity of Hylocereus undatus Extract Through in vivo Studies

E
Ekhlas Mohammed Farhan1
A
Alaa Saadi Abbood2
H
Hussein kamel awad3
A
Azhar Azher Alankooshi4,*
R
Reem Talib Ensaif5
A
Ahmed Flayyih Hasan6,7
H
Hany M. El-Wahsh8
1Scientific Research Commission, Ministry of Higher Eduction and Scientific Research, Iraq.
2Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
3Unit of Environment and Prevention of Pollution, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah, Iraq.
4Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jabir Ibn Hayyan Medical University, Iraq.
5National Center of Hematology, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
6Biotechnology Research Center, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq.
7Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Farabi University, Baghdad, Iraq.
8Department of Marine Biology, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

ABSTRACT

Background: Hylocereus Undatus Extract (HUE) It is obtained from the fruit of the white dragon fruit cactus and is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, Among its benefits are providing environmental protection and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Methods: Forty female albino mice were divided for fifteen days into four groups: G1: Control , G2: HUE group with a dose of 200 mg/kg/body weight, G3: EAC group, G4:.EAC + HUE Groub, respectively.

Result: Our results from the third group showed that mice treated with cancer cells experienced a significant increase in the weight of mice, a increase in both ALT, AST, ALP and a decrease in both Albumin,total protein, as well as damage to liver tissue. When animals infected with cancer cells were treated with an extract of HUE, we observed an increase in the weight of mice, a decrease in both ALT, AST, ALP and an increase in both Albumin,total protein, as well as an improvement in liver tissue.

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is a group of cancerous diseases brought on by the fast and unchecked proliferation of aberrant cells that can either multiply and mimic aberrant growth at other parts of the body or form lumps into tumors (Abdeen et al., 2018).
       
It has been shown that liposomes or other biodistribution methods can transport boron to tumors selectively, which is a very practical way to raise the amount of boron in tumor tissues (Chumroenvidhayakul et al., 2025).
       
One of the most common cancers is Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). EAC is hyperdiploid at birth and is also referred to as an undifferentiated cancer, has a high potential for transplantation, does not regress, grows quickly and has a short lifespan (Hameed et al., 2025).
       
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for women globally. According to reports, cardiovascular problems are the primary cause of death for people with breast cancer (Hasan et al., 2023).
       
Hylocereus undantus (HU), has long been used to treat rheumatism and gout in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia (Kanchana et al., 2018).
       
Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is one of the less well-known tropical fruits, but it has significant commercial potential both domestically and internationally, which supports stepping up research primarily to gather fundamental data on farmer cultivation (Medhat et al., 2017).
       
Commonly referred to as dragon fruit or pitaya, Hylocereus undatus is a highly valuable edible fruit and attractive plant. The fruit can be eaten raw or processed into various delicacies such as wine, juice, jelly, yogurt, jam and preserves (Abbood et al., 2024).
       
Hylocereus undatus flower (HUF) is a type of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat digestive and lung conditions. Although our earlier research showed strong anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects, the precise mechanism is still unknown (Yi et al., 2012).
       
The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for therapeutic use of bioactive substances derived from Hylocereus undatus leaf extract.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Induction of EAC cells in female mice
 
EAC cells were gathered from Cairo University’s National Cancer Institute in Egypt. About 2 x 106 EAC Cells female albino mice were injected intra-abdominally and the tumor was detected on the seventh day (Fig 1 and B) (Al-Khuzaay  et al., 2024).

Fig 1: Effect of EAC cells on mice.


 
Experimental design
 
Forty albino female mice weighing between (25-30 g) were collected and used in the research experiment. They were divided into four groups (G1-G4) respectively.
       
G1: Control group. G2: A group treated with HUE extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg orally for fifteen days. G3: A group treated with EAC Cells at a dose of 2 x 106 intraperitoneally on the first day only and left for fourteen days according to  according to (Hasan et al., 2024). G4: A group treated with EAC Cells on the first day and received treatment with HUE extract the following day for a period of fourteen days. On the fifteenth day, the experiment was concluded, the animals were anesthetized, euthanized and blood and liver samples were taken for physiological examinations.
 
Blood and tissue samples
 
Blood was drawn from each mouse via the inferior vena cava and separated in a central hemostat to obtain serum and stored at a specific temperature for biochemistry examinations. About 0.8 gm of the liver was taken and stored in saline solution and the remaining part was preserved in formalin and used for histological examination.
 
Liver functions
 
The Biuret method was used to measure liver enzymes according to (Abd El-Rahmana  et al.,2024).
 
Histological examinations
 
Liver samples were kept in a solution of 10% formalin. Following cleaning and sectioning, hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to the liver samples according to (Hameed et al., 2025).
 
Statistical analysis
 
The statistical analysis used the SPSS program, developed by SPSS Inc. and the mean + standard deviation were used to examine the levels of indicators.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Change of EAC or HUE on mice body and liver weights
 
Fig 2 shows the variations in the body and liver weights of the various experimental groups. Mice injected with EAC had significantly larger body and liver weights than the control group. However, EAC handling showed a significant drop in mice using HUE. Body and liver weights in comparison to mice that have EAC.

Fig 2: Effects of EAC and/or HSE in body and liver weights.


 
Change of HUE on liver functions
 
When compared to the control group, Fig (3) showed that EAC significantly reduced albumin and total proteins while significantly raising ALT, AST, ALP and GGT levels. On the other hand, treatments of EAC with HUE (EAC+HUE) led to a considerable drop in ALT, AST, ALP and GGT and a large rise in albumin and total proteins.

Fig 3: In experimental groups, changes in serum liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, ALP, Albumine, total protein).


 
Liver histopathology
 
The variations in liver tissue histology and morphometry among several populations are depicted in Fig 4. Both the control and HUE-treated mice’s liver sections displayed polygonal liver cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and big round nuclei, indicating a typical hepatocyte framework. Hepatic sinusoids with finely arranged Kupffer cells are scattered between the hepatic cords (Fig 4A and 3B). Mice implanted with Ehrlich cells (EAC Gp) showed liver sections with extensively damaged hepatocytes, as evidenced by notable focal necrosis, significant degeneration, a marked cellular infiltration and congested blood sinusoids (Fig 4C). On the other hand, liver slices from EAC treated with HUE showed modest localised necrosis, mild vacuolated hepatocytes and a small amount of hepatocyte improvement (Fig 4D). 

Fig 4: Representative photomicrographs of liver sections stained with HandE from different groups.


       
Through previous studies and research conducted on female mice, it is clear from our results that EAC cells cause a clear increase in weight (Fig 1 B) and an increase in the weight of the organs (Fig 2). These results are consistent with both Islam et al., (2013); Ali et al., (2022); when treating the cells carrying EAC cells with extract HUE we notice a decrease in the weight of the liver (Fig 2) and these results are consistent with Vaishnav et al., (2024); Fahriani et al., (2024), which proved that HUE  causes an improvement in the liver.
       
It is also clear from our results that EAC cells cause a clear increase in liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP and a decrease in Albumin, Total Protein (Fig 3) according to Gowda et al., (2022); Bhattacharyya et al., (2007); Ashokkumar et al., (2009); Abdeen et al., (2018) and when treating mice carrying EAC cells with HUE we notice a clear decrease in both ALT,  AST,  ALP  and a near-normal increase in both Albumin, Total Protein (Fig 3) according to both (Fahriani et al., 2024; Ho et al., 2024).
       
Mice were injected with EAC cells and our results (Fig 4C) clearly show that they cause damage and destruction to liver tissue. Our results are consistent with those of Nasser et al., (2021); Tawfic et al., (2024); Sannappa Gowda et al., (2023), who demonstrated that EAC cells cause breakdown in liver tissue compared to normal tissue. Regarding the treatment of mice injected with EAC cells, we observed a slight improvement in liver tissue (Fig 4D) compared to the group of mice injected with EAC cells, according to Ghiath et al., (2025); Ibrahim et al., (2024), who demonstrated that the Hylocereus undatus Extract (HUE) improves liver tissue in mice.

CONCLUSION

We conclude from our study that EAC Cell causes toxicity in liver cells and that treatment with HUE shows a clear improvement. We suggest conducting future research on HUE.
 
Ethical approval
 
Obtained under approval from Al-Nahrain University in December 2024.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Thanks are due to the authors only for their support of the manuscript.
 
Funding
 
None.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors warrant that there is no conflict of interest between the authors.

REFERENCES


  1. Abbood, A.S., Faisal, A.J. and jawad Al-Imam, M. (2024). Effect of Artemisia vulgaris on liver of albino mice exposed to cisplatin. Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal. 17(2): 1341-1346.

  2. Abdeen, S.H., Edrees, G.M. and Shalaby, E.M. (2018). Protective effect of proanthocyanidin on physiological and immunological disorders induced by ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Sciences. 8(2): 583-593.

  3. Ali, H., Hasi, R.Y., Islam, M., Haque, M.S., Alkhanani, M.F., Almalki, A.H. and Yeasmin, T. (2022). Antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of the rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet Linn. in ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice. Scientific Reports. 12(1): 12150.

  4. Abd El-Rahmana, H.A., Hasanb, A.F., Alyasiric, T., El-Wahshd, H.M., Althubyanie, S.A., Basyonyf, M.A. and Mahmodf, D.H. (2024). Co-treatment with cranberry and vitamin-C mitigates reproductive toxicities induced by phenobarbital in male rats. Cell Physiol. Biochem. 58: 722-738.

  5. Al-Khuzaay, H.M., Al-Juraisy, Y.H., Hasan, A.F. and Tousson, E. (2024). Antitumor Activity of â-glucan isolated àrom date fruits in cancer cells in vivo. Opera Medica et Physiologica. 11(3): 41-48.

  6. Ashokkumar, D., Mazumder, U.K., Gupta, M. and Selvan, V.T. (2009). Effect on inhibition of proliferation and antioxidant enzyme level of Lippia nodiflora in EAC cell line treated mice. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. 6(1). doi: 10.2202/1553-3840.1233.

  7. Bhattacharyya, A., Mandal, D.P., Lahiry, L., Bhattacharyya, S., Chattopadhyay, S., Ghosh, U.K. and Das, T. (2007). Black tea-induced amelioration of hepatic oxidative stress through antioxidative activity in EAC-bearing mice. Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology. 26(4): 245-254.

  8. Chumroenvidhayakul, S., Thilavech, T., Abeywardena, M.Y., Conlon, M., Dallimore, J., Adams, M. and Adisakwattana, S. (2025). Dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus undatus) modulates hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation in a rat model of high- fat, high-fructose-induced metabolic dysfunction. Antioxidants.  14(3): 319.

  9. Fahriani, E., Mylano, T.A. and Hutapea, J. (2024). Different Effects of Hylocecarus polyrhizus and Hylocecarus undatus extract on reducing total cholesterol of male rattus norvegicus wistar strain. Journal La Medihealtico. 5(2): 299-308.

  10. Ghiath, Y., Mtashar, B.A., AL-Zuhairy, N.A.H.S., Hussein, M.S. and Hasan, A.F. (2025). Interplaying correlation of some genetic and inflammatory factors among patients with polycythemia vera. Asian Journal of Dairy and Food Research. 1-6. doi: 10.18805/ajdfr.DRF-492.

  11. Gowda, N.G.S., Shiragannavar, V.D., Prabhuswamimath, S.C., Tuladhar, S., Chidambaram, S.B. and Santhekadur, P.K. (2022). Ehrlich ascites carcinoma mice model for studying liver inflammation and fibrosis. Advances in Cancer Biology-Metastasis. 4: 100029.

  12. Hasan, A.F., Jasim, N.A., Abid, A.T. and Tousson, E. (2024). Role of Salvia hispanica seeds extract on ehrlich ascites model induced liver damage in female mice. Journal of Bioscience and Applied Research. 10(2): 161-169.

  13. Hameed, H.M., Razooki, Z.H., Hasan, A.F., Rasool, A.A.A.A. and Abed, I.J. (2025). Therapeutic effect of essential oils (Citrus sinensis) against ehrlich ascites model induced renal toxicity in female mice. Agricultural Science Digest. 45(2). doi: 10.18805/ag.DF-632.

  14. Hasan, A.F., Alankooshi, A.A., Abbood, A.S., Dulimi, A.G., Mohammed Al-Khuzaay, H., Elsaedy, E.A. and Tousson, E. (2023). Impact of B-Glucan against ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced renal toxicity in mice. Online Journal of Biological Sciences. 23(1): 103-108. 

  15. Ibrahim, M.S. and Baker, L.A.A. (2024). Isolation and extraction of gallic acid from Hylocereus undatus and a biochemical and histological study on laboratory Wistar albino rats with induced rheumatoid arthritis. Journal of Applied and Natural Science. 16(1): 58-68.

  16. Islam, F., Ali, S.M.M. and Khanam, J.A. (2013). Hepatoprotective effect of acetone semicarbazone on ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced carcinogenesis in experimental mice. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 3(2): 105-110.

  17. Kanchana, P., Devi, S.K., Latha, P.P., Spurthi, N. (2018). Phytochemical evaluation and pharmacological screening of antiparkinson’s  and laxative activities of Hylocereus undatus (White pitaya) in rodents. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy. 8(4): 78-92.

  18. Medhat, D., Hussein, J., El-Naggar, M.E., Attia, M.F., Anwar, M., Latif, Y.A. and El-Khayat, Z. (2017). Effect of Au-dextran NPs as an anti-tumour agent against EAC and solid tumour in mice by biochemical evaluations and histopathological investigations. Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy. 91: 1006-1016.

  19. Nasser, H.M., El-Naggar, S.A., El-Sayed Rizk, M.E.S.R., Elmetwalli, A. and Salama, A.F. (2021). A preliminary phase study is the effect of sorafenib on liver biochemistry before vitamin b17 coadministration in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma mice model. Biochemistry Letters. 17(1): 40-49.

  20. Sannappa, G.N.G., Shiragannavar, V.D., Puttahanumantharayappa, L.D., Shivakumar, A.T., Dallavalasa, S., Basavaraju, C.G. and Santhekadur, P.K. (2023). Quercetin activates vitamin D receptors and ameliorates breast cancer- induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Frontiers in Nutrition. 10: 1158633.

  21. Tawfic, A.A., Ibrahim, H.M., Mohammed-Geba, K. and El-Magd, M.A. (2024). Chitosan nanoparticles, camel milk exosomes and/or sorafenib induce apoptosis, inhibit tumour cell migration and angiogenesis and ameliorate the associated liver damage in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-bearing mice. Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences. 13(1): 74.

  22. Vaishnav, A., Mehta, F.T. and Patani, P. (2024). Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Manilkara zapota and Hylocereus undantus: A complete review. Journal of Advanced Zoology. 45(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.53555/ jaz.v45i1.3761.

  23. Yi, Y., Zhang, Q. W., Li, S.L., Wang, Y., Ye, W.C., Zhao, J. and Wang, Y.T. (2012). Simultaneous quantification of major flavonoids in “Bawanghua”, the edible flower of Hylocereus undatus using pressurised liquid extraction and high performance liquid chromatography. Food Chemistry. 135(2): 528-533.
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    Full Research Article

    Anticancer Activity of Hylocereus undatus Extract Through in vivo Studies

    E
    Ekhlas Mohammed Farhan1
    A
    Alaa Saadi Abbood2
    H
    Hussein kamel awad3
    A
    Azhar Azher Alankooshi4,*
    R
    Reem Talib Ensaif5
    A
    Ahmed Flayyih Hasan6,7
    H
    Hany M. El-Wahsh8
    1Scientific Research Commission, Ministry of Higher Eduction and Scientific Research, Iraq.
    2Iraqi Center for Cancer and Medical Genetic Research, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
    3Unit of Environment and Prevention of Pollution, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Diwaniyah, Iraq.
    4Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jabir Ibn Hayyan Medical University, Iraq.
    5National Center of Hematology, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq.
    6Biotechnology Research Center, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq.
    7Department of Medical Laboratory Techniques, College of Health and Medical Technology, Al-Farabi University, Baghdad, Iraq.
    8Department of Marine Biology, King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Marine Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia.

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Hylocereus Undatus Extract (HUE) It is obtained from the fruit of the white dragon fruit cactus and is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, Among its benefits are providing environmental protection and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

    Methods: Forty female albino mice were divided for fifteen days into four groups: G1: Control , G2: HUE group with a dose of 200 mg/kg/body weight, G3: EAC group, G4:.EAC + HUE Groub, respectively.

    Result: Our results from the third group showed that mice treated with cancer cells experienced a significant increase in the weight of mice, a increase in both ALT, AST, ALP and a decrease in both Albumin,total protein, as well as damage to liver tissue. When animals infected with cancer cells were treated with an extract of HUE, we observed an increase in the weight of mice, a decrease in both ALT, AST, ALP and an increase in both Albumin,total protein, as well as an improvement in liver tissue.

    INTRODUCTION

    Cancer is a group of cancerous diseases brought on by the fast and unchecked proliferation of aberrant cells that can either multiply and mimic aberrant growth at other parts of the body or form lumps into tumors (Abdeen et al., 2018).
           
    It has been shown that liposomes or other biodistribution methods can transport boron to tumors selectively, which is a very practical way to raise the amount of boron in tumor tissues (Chumroenvidhayakul et al., 2025).
           
    One of the most common cancers is Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). EAC is hyperdiploid at birth and is also referred to as an undifferentiated cancer, has a high potential for transplantation, does not regress, grows quickly and has a short lifespan (Hameed et al., 2025).
           
    Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for women globally. According to reports, cardiovascular problems are the primary cause of death for people with breast cancer (Hasan et al., 2023).
           
    Hylocereus undantus (HU), has long been used to treat rheumatism and gout in Banyuwangi, East Java, Indonesia (Kanchana et al., 2018).
           
    Pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) is one of the less well-known tropical fruits, but it has significant commercial potential both domestically and internationally, which supports stepping up research primarily to gather fundamental data on farmer cultivation (Medhat et al., 2017).
           
    Commonly referred to as dragon fruit or pitaya, Hylocereus undatus is a highly valuable edible fruit and attractive plant. The fruit can be eaten raw or processed into various delicacies such as wine, juice, jelly, yogurt, jam and preserves (Abbood et al., 2024).
           
    Hylocereus undatus flower (HUF) is a type of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat digestive and lung conditions. Although our earlier research showed strong anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects, the precise mechanism is still unknown (Yi et al., 2012).
           
    The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for therapeutic use of bioactive substances derived from Hylocereus undatus leaf extract.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    Induction of EAC cells in female mice
     
    EAC cells were gathered from Cairo University’s National Cancer Institute in Egypt. About 2 x 106 EAC Cells female albino mice were injected intra-abdominally and the tumor was detected on the seventh day (Fig 1 and B) (Al-Khuzaay  et al., 2024).

    Fig 1: Effect of EAC cells on mice.


     
    Experimental design
     
    Forty albino female mice weighing between (25-30 g) were collected and used in the research experiment. They were divided into four groups (G1-G4) respectively.
           
    G1: Control group. G2: A group treated with HUE extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg orally for fifteen days. G3: A group treated with EAC Cells at a dose of 2 x 106 intraperitoneally on the first day only and left for fourteen days according to  according to (Hasan et al., 2024). G4: A group treated with EAC Cells on the first day and received treatment with HUE extract the following day for a period of fourteen days. On the fifteenth day, the experiment was concluded, the animals were anesthetized, euthanized and blood and liver samples were taken for physiological examinations.
     
    Blood and tissue samples
     
    Blood was drawn from each mouse via the inferior vena cava and separated in a central hemostat to obtain serum and stored at a specific temperature for biochemistry examinations. About 0.8 gm of the liver was taken and stored in saline solution and the remaining part was preserved in formalin and used for histological examination.
     
    Liver functions
     
    The Biuret method was used to measure liver enzymes according to (Abd El-Rahmana  et al.,2024).
     
    Histological examinations
     
    Liver samples were kept in a solution of 10% formalin. Following cleaning and sectioning, hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to the liver samples according to (Hameed et al., 2025).
     
    Statistical analysis
     
    The statistical analysis used the SPSS program, developed by SPSS Inc. and the mean + standard deviation were used to examine the levels of indicators.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

    Change of EAC or HUE on mice body and liver weights
     
    Fig 2 shows the variations in the body and liver weights of the various experimental groups. Mice injected with EAC had significantly larger body and liver weights than the control group. However, EAC handling showed a significant drop in mice using HUE. Body and liver weights in comparison to mice that have EAC.

    Fig 2: Effects of EAC and/or HSE in body and liver weights.


     
    Change of HUE on liver functions
     
    When compared to the control group, Fig (3) showed that EAC significantly reduced albumin and total proteins while significantly raising ALT, AST, ALP and GGT levels. On the other hand, treatments of EAC with HUE (EAC+HUE) led to a considerable drop in ALT, AST, ALP and GGT and a large rise in albumin and total proteins.

    Fig 3: In experimental groups, changes in serum liver enzyme levels (ALT, AST, ALP, Albumine, total protein).


     
    Liver histopathology
     
    The variations in liver tissue histology and morphometry among several populations are depicted in Fig 4. Both the control and HUE-treated mice’s liver sections displayed polygonal liver cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm and big round nuclei, indicating a typical hepatocyte framework. Hepatic sinusoids with finely arranged Kupffer cells are scattered between the hepatic cords (Fig 4A and 3B). Mice implanted with Ehrlich cells (EAC Gp) showed liver sections with extensively damaged hepatocytes, as evidenced by notable focal necrosis, significant degeneration, a marked cellular infiltration and congested blood sinusoids (Fig 4C). On the other hand, liver slices from EAC treated with HUE showed modest localised necrosis, mild vacuolated hepatocytes and a small amount of hepatocyte improvement (Fig 4D). 

    Fig 4: Representative photomicrographs of liver sections stained with HandE from different groups.


           
    Through previous studies and research conducted on female mice, it is clear from our results that EAC cells cause a clear increase in weight (Fig 1 B) and an increase in the weight of the organs (Fig 2). These results are consistent with both Islam et al., (2013); Ali et al., (2022); when treating the cells carrying EAC cells with extract HUE we notice a decrease in the weight of the liver (Fig 2) and these results are consistent with Vaishnav et al., (2024); Fahriani et al., (2024), which proved that HUE  causes an improvement in the liver.
           
    It is also clear from our results that EAC cells cause a clear increase in liver enzymes ALT, AST and ALP and a decrease in Albumin, Total Protein (Fig 3) according to Gowda et al., (2022); Bhattacharyya et al., (2007); Ashokkumar et al., (2009); Abdeen et al., (2018) and when treating mice carrying EAC cells with HUE we notice a clear decrease in both ALT,  AST,  ALP  and a near-normal increase in both Albumin, Total Protein (Fig 3) according to both (Fahriani et al., 2024; Ho et al., 2024).
           
    Mice were injected with EAC cells and our results (Fig 4C) clearly show that they cause damage and destruction to liver tissue. Our results are consistent with those of Nasser et al., (2021); Tawfic et al., (2024); Sannappa Gowda et al., (2023), who demonstrated that EAC cells cause breakdown in liver tissue compared to normal tissue. Regarding the treatment of mice injected with EAC cells, we observed a slight improvement in liver tissue (Fig 4D) compared to the group of mice injected with EAC cells, according to Ghiath et al., (2025); Ibrahim et al., (2024), who demonstrated that the Hylocereus undatus Extract (HUE) improves liver tissue in mice.

    CONCLUSION

    We conclude from our study that EAC Cell causes toxicity in liver cells and that treatment with HUE shows a clear improvement. We suggest conducting future research on HUE.
     
    Ethical approval
     
    Obtained under approval from Al-Nahrain University in December 2024.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    Thanks are due to the authors only for their support of the manuscript.
     
    Funding
     
    None.

    CONFLICT OF INTEREST

    The authors warrant that there is no conflict of interest between the authors.

    REFERENCES


    1. Abbood, A.S., Faisal, A.J. and jawad Al-Imam, M. (2024). Effect of Artemisia vulgaris on liver of albino mice exposed to cisplatin. Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal. 17(2): 1341-1346.

    2. Abdeen, S.H., Edrees, G.M. and Shalaby, E.M. (2018). Protective effect of proanthocyanidin on physiological and immunological disorders induced by ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Sciences. 8(2): 583-593.

    3. Ali, H., Hasi, R.Y., Islam, M., Haque, M.S., Alkhanani, M.F., Almalki, A.H. and Yeasmin, T. (2022). Antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of the rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet Linn. in ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice. Scientific Reports. 12(1): 12150.

    4. Abd El-Rahmana, H.A., Hasanb, A.F., Alyasiric, T., El-Wahshd, H.M., Althubyanie, S.A., Basyonyf, M.A. and Mahmodf, D.H. (2024). Co-treatment with cranberry and vitamin-C mitigates reproductive toxicities induced by phenobarbital in male rats. Cell Physiol. Biochem. 58: 722-738.

    5. Al-Khuzaay, H.M., Al-Juraisy, Y.H., Hasan, A.F. and Tousson, E. (2024). Antitumor Activity of â-glucan isolated àrom date fruits in cancer cells in vivo. Opera Medica et Physiologica. 11(3): 41-48.

    6. Ashokkumar, D., Mazumder, U.K., Gupta, M. and Selvan, V.T. (2009). Effect on inhibition of proliferation and antioxidant enzyme level of Lippia nodiflora in EAC cell line treated mice. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. 6(1). doi: 10.2202/1553-3840.1233.

    7. Bhattacharyya, A., Mandal, D.P., Lahiry, L., Bhattacharyya, S., Chattopadhyay, S., Ghosh, U.K. and Das, T. (2007). Black tea-induced amelioration of hepatic oxidative stress through antioxidative activity in EAC-bearing mice. Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology. 26(4): 245-254.

    8. Chumroenvidhayakul, S., Thilavech, T., Abeywardena, M.Y., Conlon, M., Dallimore, J., Adams, M. and Adisakwattana, S. (2025). Dragon fruit peel (Hylocereus undatus) modulates hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation in a rat model of high- fat, high-fructose-induced metabolic dysfunction. Antioxidants.  14(3): 319.

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