Evaluation of antitumour activity of Calotropis gigantea L. root bark against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Abstract

Objective To investigate experimentally the possible antitumor effect of methanol extract (ME) of Calotropis gigantea L. ( C. gigantean) root bark and its petroleum ether (PEF) and chloroform (CF) soluble fractions against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice. Methods The effects of ME (10 and 20 mg/kg), PEF (40 and 80 mg/kg) and CF (20 and 40 mg/kg) on the growth of EAC and life span of EAC bearing mice were studied. Hematological profile and biochemical parameters (SALP, SGPT and SGOT) were also estimated. Results Results of in vivo study showed a significant decrease in viable tumor cell count and a significant increase of life span in the ME and CF treated group compared to untreated one. The life span of ME and CF treated animals was significantly (P<0.05) increased by 43.90% (20 mg ME/kg) and 57.07% (40 mg CF/kg). ME and CF brought back the hematological parameter more or less normal level. ME and CF also restored the altered levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT). Conclusions Methanol extract (ME) of C. gigantea root bark and its chloroform soluble fraction (CF) possesses significant antitumor activity.