LIVER FUNCTION AND ANTICANCER POTENTIALS OF SOURSOP LEAF IN THE TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER

ABSTRACT Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies in men and is often linked with liver dysfunction caused by disease progression or drug toxicity. This study examined the liver function and anticancer potentials of Annona muricata (soursop) leaf extract in prostate cancer-induced male Wistar rats. Thirty-five rats were divided into five groups: normal control, prostate cancer control, standard drug-treated (Finasteride), and two groups treated with low and high doses of Annona muricata leaf extract. The leaves were collected, authenticated, air-dried, and extracted using standard laboratory methods. Liver function parameters, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin were analyzed to evaluate hepatic integrity. Prostate cancer induction caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in liver enzymes and bilirubin levels, indicating hepatic injury. Treatment with Annona muricata leaf extract significantly reduced these levels in a dose-dependent manner, restoring hepatic function toward normal values. The high-dose extract produced effects comparable to Finasteride, suggesting strong hepatoprotective and chemopreventive properties. In conclusion, Annona muricata leaf extract exhibits promising hepatoprotective and anticancer effects, validating its ethnomedicinal use and highlighting its potential as a complementary therapy for prostate cancer and related liver disorders. Further research and clinical trials are recommended to identify active compounds and confirm safety in humans.