Prevention by carp extract of myelotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil without loss of antitumor activity in mice

Abstract

The combined effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) extract on antitumor activity, myelotoxicity and gastrointestinal toxicity were examined in sarcoma 180-bearing mice. Carp extract was found to prevent the occurrence of myelotoxicity as determined by the reduction of leukocyte number, and of gastrointestinal toxicity, as determined by the reduction of small intestinal weight, induced by 5-FU without loss of the antitumor activity of 5-FU.