Evaluation of anticancer activity of methanol extract of Commelina benghalensis Linn. against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in albino mice

Abstract

Aim: Evaluation of anticancer activity of methanol extract of Commelina benghalensis L. (MECB) by the experimental parameters such as tumor volume, tumor cell count, viable and non-viable cell count, mean survival time, increase lifespan, red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells count and hemoglobin level (Hb), and histological architecture of liver section of three treatment group of mice compared to Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) control group of mice. Materials and Methods: The anticancer activity of methanol extract of the aerial part of CB, family Commelinaceae has been evaluated against EAC cells (EAC 107 cells/mouse) in Swiss Albino mice at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The MECB was administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) route for 9 consecutive days to tumor-bearing mice. 5-Flurouracil (5-FU) 20 mg/kg body weight was also administered to i.p. for 9 days as a standard anticancer drug. Result: The MECB decreased the EAC cell count, viable cell count, and percentage inhibition of total cell count. At the same time, there was an increase in the percentage of lifespan (% ILS), non-viable cell count, RBC count, and Hb level. These parameters were compared with the EAC bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner. The histological architecture of liver section in EAC bearing mice was observed steatosis, lymphocyte accumulation and normal architecture of nucleus, parenchyma, and regeneration of hepatic cells in three treated group of mice. Conclusion: This study reveals that the MECB has significant anticancer activity against EAC cell in mice.