Antitumor efficacy of Aqueous Extract of Salenostemma argel Leaves and/or γ-radiation exposure against Ehrlich Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice

ABSTRACT: Background- The Salenostemma argel (SA) leaves aqueous extract either alone or combined with 6 Gy of γ- radiation exposure were tested to evaluate thier antitumor effect against Ehrlich carcinoma (EC) bearing mice. Methods and Results- SA extract was gavages at the doses of 15 mg/kg body weight / day x 3/ week for 3 weeks. SA gavages to experimental animals 24 hr and 7 days after tumor inoculation (ATI). γ- radiation exposure was done 7 days ATI as a single dose. In the present study aqueous extract of SA chemosensitivity, growth of transplantable murine tumor, histopathological examination, apoptotic and necrotic detection and biochemical parameters such as lipid peroxidation (MDA), glutathione content (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities for the murine tumor and liver tissues were done. SA activates tumor cell death after two weeks. SA significantly decrease tumor volume either alone or combined with γ- irradiation. SA recorded high and wide zones of apoptotic tumor cells either alone or combined with γ- irradiation. SA and γ-irradiation resultant a non significant change in MDA and a non significant change in GSH level and CAT activity in tumor tissue either alone or combined with γ- irradiation. SA ameliorates MDA and significantly ameliorates GSH level and CAT and SOD activity in liver tissue of EC-bearing mice. Histopathologically SA and/or γ-irradiation represented large aria of apoptosis, hydropic degeneration and nuclear debris in tumor tissue section. However in liver tissue SA treatment represent increase in Kupffer cells and decrease of inflammatory cells. SA and γ-irradiation represented normal appearance of liver tissue section. Conclusion - SA and/ or γ-irradiation represent antitumor activities. Keywords: Salenostemma argel (SA), γ-irradiation, Ehrlich carcinoma (EC) http://www.ijbst.org/Home/papers-published/ijbst-2011-volume-4-issue-