Abstract

Abstract : The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible antitumor and antioxidant activities of ethanol extract of Lepidagathis cuspidata (EELC) against Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma (EAC), in mice. After 24 h of tumor inoculation the EELC was administered at the doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight/mice/day for 21 days. The effect of EELC on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing hosts, hematological profiles, serum and liver biochemical parameters were estimated. The EELC showed significant decrease in ascites volume, packed cell volume and viable cell count and prolonged the life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profiles reverted to near normal levels in extract treated mice. The EELC also produced protective effect by significantly decreasing the activity of serum enzymes (SGPT, SGOT, SALP), bilirubin and increase the protein and uric acid levels. EELC significantly decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), while significantly increased the levels of glutathione content (GSH), vitamin C, vitamin E, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The results indicate that EELC exhibited significant antitumor and antioxidant activities in EAC bearing mice.