Assessment of antiproliferative activity of Capparis spinosa L extract against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Chemistry Department, Faculty of science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt

2 Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Institute, University of Sadat City, Egypt

Abstract

 




 Background: Medicinal plants have been known as one of the most important therapeutic agents for cancer treatment and prevention. Capparis spinosa L is a multipurpose plant that contains different bioactive phytochemicals including phenols and flavonoids.Aims: In the present study we explore the invivo anti-tumor activity of Capparis spinosa L extract and most potent constituents rutin and hesperidin against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Also study the side effect of treatments on different organs (liver, kidney and heart). Material and method: The antitumor effect was assessed by evaluating tumor volume , tumor cell count , survival time and increase in life span of EAC bearing mice. We assessed the effect of Capparis spinosa L extract , rutin and hesperidin on the level of malonaldialdhyde (MDA) and Catalase activity. Also, we estimated their effect on Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , Albumin , urea , creatinine ,Lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), Creatine Kinase -MB activity (CK-MB). Apoptosis was assessed by BCL2 and caspase3 activity. Results : The Capparis spinosa L extract , rutin and hesperidin showed significantly decreased (p<0.001) in the volume of the EAC and in the count of EAC cells and increase the life span of EAC bearing mice. The treatment with Capparis spinosa L extract , rutin and hesperidin showed significantly decreased (p<0.001) the lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) and recovered catalase activity towards normal as compared to positive control. We founded that Capparis spinosa L extract , rutin and hesperidin treatment induced apoptosis demonstrated by an increased in Caspase 3 activity and decreased in BCL2 .The treatment of Capparis spinosa L extract , rutin and hesperidin significantly reduced the elevated levels of ALT , AST ,LDH ,CK-MB,Urea and Creatinine in positive control as compared with negative control. Also, they showed protection for both liver and kidney histopathologically. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that Capparis spinosa L extract , rutin and hesperidin have potent antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. The anti-tumor mechanism may be mediated by preventing oxidative damage and induction of apoptosis. 

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