Viscum album L. influence on the antioxidant enzymes activity in ehrlich tumor cells in vivo.

Abstract

Viscum album L., (Santalaceae) is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on various trees. It is widely used in cancer treatment. The present study assesses the influence of oxidative stress in mistletoe induced tumor cytotoxicity in tumor cells. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) was induced by injecting 106 cells/animal, ip, (in day 0), in Swiss female mice. Mistletoe ethanolic extract was injected in dose of 50 mg/kg b.w, i.p., three times before (days -6, -3, -1) and after (1, 3, 6) EAC inoculation. 14 days after EAC inoculation, the mice were euthanized for estimation of tumor proliferation, hematological parameters, the antioxidant status in plasma and tumor cells. In EAC bearing mice, Viscum album ethanolic extract exhibited a significant antiproliferative effect, as compared with untreated group, reflected in reduced EAC cell concentration, increased percentage of non-viable cells and low plasma antioxidant activity. These changes were found only in pre-treated groups, while post-treated groups showed no significant differences. The antiproliferative effect was significantly correlated with decreased activity of plasma antioxidant enzymes. In pre-treated groups, antioxidant enzymes activity of the EAC tumor cells experienced important changes, in correlation to cytotoxic effect, whereas less significant variations in post-treated group were found. Even if the underlying mechanisms are still to be ascertained, Viscum album alcoholic extract proved, a significant, selective antitumor effect, without obvious harmful effect on mice.