Anti-Carcinogenic Effect of Virgin Olive Oil on DMBA-Induced Salivary Glands Carcinogenesis in Rats

The anti-carcinogenic effect of virgin olive oil (VOO) on 7, 12-dimethyl benzanthracene (DMBA)-induced salivary glands carcinogenesis was studied histologically in Wistar rats. Experimental animals were prefed before, and postfed after, DMBA implantation a standard chow diet supplemented with 30% VOO. The histological observations on biopsied specimens of rats salivary glands showed delayed onset and decrease in the severity of carcinogenesis in the prefed group compared with the postfed group or control group of animals which clearly showed early onset and extensive carcinogenesis. This suggested that VOO can provide a dietary chemoprotective effect against DMBA-induced salivary glands carcinogenesis in rats. The probable mechanisms of this anti-tumorigenic effect of VOO is discussed implicating antioxidant functions and enhancement of cell-mediated immunity by the dietary components of VOO.