Anticancer Activity and in vivo Antioxidant Potential of Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae) Linn. against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Swiss albino mice (Research Article)

Author(s): Yerra Rajeshwar*, Silakabattini Kotaiah, Cheedella Hari Kumar, and Tarza Jamal Siahmansur

Abstract: The rising burden of cancer worldwide calls for an alternative treatment solution. Herbal medicines provide a very feasible alternative to western medicine against cancer. The present work was designed to evaluate the anticancer activity and in vivo antioxidant potential of the methanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri (MEPN) Linn. (Family: Euphorbiaceae). The effect of MEPN on cancer growth and host’s survival time was studied by the parameters such as tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable and non-viable cell count and life span of the animal. MEPN was administered at a concentration of 125 and 250mg/kg b.w. once a day for 14 days, after 24 h of tumor inoculation. Decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume, and viable cell count were observed in MEPN treated animals when compared to EAC treated animals. Administration of MEPN at a dose of 125 and 250mg/kg increased the mean survival time to 26.67 ± 3.41 and 32.15 ± 4.35 days, respectively. The plant extract also decreased the body weight of the EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological studies reveal that the Hb content was decreased in EAC treated mouse, whereas restoration to near normal levels was observed in extract treated animals when compared to EAC treated animals. The investigation was also extended to estimate the liver biochemical parameters such as LPO, GSH, and antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT, etc. Treatment with MEPN decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The results obtained suggested that the methanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri (MEPN) exhibits significant anticancer and antioxidant activity in EAC bearing mice.

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