CHEMOPREVENTIVE ACTION OF SPHAERANTHUS INDICUS ON DMBA-INDUCED SKIN PAPILLOMAGENESIS IN MICE

Abstract

Cancer has emerged as a major health problem globally as a consequence to the increased longevity of the population,
changing the environment and life style. Chemoprevention is a new and promising strategy for reducing cancer burden.
Recently, some natural products have been identified for their chemopreventive activity to reduce the cancer incidence.
Sphaeranthus indicus (S. indicus) is known for its potential to treat various ailments in human beings.The present study was
designed to explore the anticancer and antioxidative potential of S. indicus seed extract (SIE) against chemical-induced
skin carcinogenesis in mammals. Skin tumors were induced in Swiss albino mice by a single topical application of 7, 12-
dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (100μl acetone), followed by 1 % Croton oil was applied on skin 2 times a week up to 16
weeks. In contrast, mice treated with the S. indicus extract (200 and 400 mg/kg/b.wt./animal/day)- DMBA single
application was given afterwards the 100 μl dose of S. indicus extract at the dose was given one hour before each
application of 1% croton oil 2 times a week up to 16 weeks demonstrated significant reduction in tumor incidence,
tumor yield and tumor burden, as compared to the 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracenee croton oil-treated control
group.Further, biochemical assays revealed a significant enhancement in the levels of reduced glutathione, superoxide
dismutase and catalase but a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation levels in both the liver and skin with SIE
treatment, as compared to carcinogen-treated control group. These results suggest that S. indicus has the potential to
become a pivotal chemopreventive agent that can reduce cancer in mammals.