Evaluation of anti-tumor activity of Momordica cymbalaria fenzl

Abstract

Background: The aim of the current study is to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of saponins isolated from the roots of Momordica cymbalaria (MC) against dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) induced rats. Methods: A steroidal saponin MC (SMC) was isolated from MC fenzl and purified by preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Breast cancer was induced in 50-day-old female Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting DMBA (6 mg/kg intravenous) in three doses on day 50, 54, and 57. The rats were randomized into four groups; control, DMBA, SMC (100 mg/kg), and tamoxifen (6.6 mg/kg) to DMBA breast cancer rats. The tumor size, volume, hormonal, antioxidant, and whole mount parameters were estimated. Results: Mean tumor size and volume, luteinizing hormone, and progesterone with superoxide dismutases, catalase, and glutathione levels increased significantly (p<0.001); serum estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone with lipid peroxidation decreased significantly (p<0.001) in DMBA-induced breast cancer and vice versa in SMC and tamoxifen. Terminal end buds, terminal ducts, alveolar buds, and lobules decreased significantly (p<0.001) in DMBA-induced breast cancer whereas increased significantly in SMC and tamoxifen. Histological necrosis and hemorrhage along with focal desmoplastic reaction in DMBA-induced breast cancer; ductile elongation and hyperplasia of both ducts and alveoli were prominent, with increased secretory activity in SMC group. The results confirmed the chemopreventive effect of SMC and tamoxifen in DMBA-induced breast cancer. Conclusions: The SMC exhibited anti-tumor activity against mammary cancer, which may be due to its anti-estrogenic, antioxidant activity.