Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF AEGLE MARMELOS FOR ANTICOLON CANCER ACTIVITY IN 1, 2 DIMETHYLHYDRAZINE INDUCED COLON CANCER IN RATS

Roja Pathakota*

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Colon cancer is one of the most common malignancies in many regions of the world and is thought to arise from the accumulation of mutations in a single epithelial cell of the colon and rectum. Bael (Aegle marmelos L. Rutaceae) is a plant with a long history as a medicinal plant since ancient times. Materials and methods: The effect of ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos (EEAM) leaves on the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF), apoptosis, histopathology, body weight, organs weight and heamotological parameters were studied in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in rats. Male wistar rats (150-160g) were used. Animals were randomized into 3 groups containing 6 rats in each group. Group 1 served as control. Group 2–6 rats were given intra peritoneal injections of DMH (30 mg/kg body weight) twice a week for the first 2 weeks to induce ACF. Rats in groups 3–6, in addition to DMH injections, received EEAM at 400mg/kg body weight orally every day until the end of whole experimental period of 30 days. Results: Aegle marmelos administration significantly reduced ACF number and increased the weight gain and apoptotic index compared to DMH treated group. The histological alterations induced by DMH were also significantly improved. Conclusion: Based on the results it showed that EEAM at a dose 400 mg/kg body weight inhibited the colon tumerogenesis.

Keywords: Aberrant crypt foci; Apoptosis; 1, 2-Dimethylhydrazine.