Preventive effect of ethanol extract of Alpinia calcarata Rosc on Ehrlich's ascitic carcinoma cell induced malignant ascites in mice

Abstract

Objective To explore cytotoxic activity of ethanol extract of Alpinia calcarata Rosc (EEAC) rhizome against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor bearing Swiss Albino mice. Methods In the present study, its anti-neoplastic activity has been studied by monitoring parameters like tumor weight measurement, survival time, tumor cell growth inhibition, haematological characteristics etc. Results It was found that EEAC at dose 8 mg/kg/day ( i.p.) significantly decreased tumor weight (62.0%; P <0.01), increased life span (70.25%; P <0.01) and reduced tumor cell growth rate (85.7%; P <0.01) in comparison to those of EAC bearing mice. The plant extract also improved the depleted haematological parameters like RBC, WBC, Hb%, differential counts ( e.g. lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes etc) of EAC bearing mice towards normal. The host toxic effects were not very high and recovered gradually towards normal within a few days after treatment. Conclusions EEAC exhibits potent in vivo cytotoxic activity against EAC tumor bearing Swiss Albino mice. So, the plant can be considered as a probable new source of antitumor agents.