CYPERUS ROTUNDUS EXTRACT EXERTS ANTICANCER ACTIVITY ON EHRLICH ASCITES CARCINOMA

Hema Nidugala*, Ramakrishna Avadhani, Ashwini Prabhu and Ravishankar B.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Cancer is one of the most serious health concerns in both developing as well as the developed countries. Despite the advancements in the treatment modalities, mortality rates due to cancer are alarming. Adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy demands the search for alternative therapies, among which phytotherapy looks promising. Aims and objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of Cyperus rotundus extracts on experimentally induced Ehrlich ascites carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Cyperus rotundus rhizomes were extracted in ethanol and water by maceration method. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma was induced in swiss albino mice by intraperitoneal injection of 2.5x106 cells /mice viable tumor cells. Animals were treated with Cyperus rotundus extract per orally with 250 mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight dosages. Mean survival time of the animals was recorded and compared with that of tumor control. A subpopulation from all the treatment groups was sacrificed and analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters as per standard protocols. Results and Conclusion: Cyperus rotundus extract could increase the life span by 36% and 20% in groups treated with 250 mg/kg wt. and 500 mg/kg body wt. respectively. Hematological parameters were restored to normal levels in extract administered groups. Antioxidant activity assay indicated that the extract treatment could increase the levels of antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, Cyperus rotundus ethanolic extract possessed potent anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Mus musculus system.

Keywords: Anticancer, Cyperus rotundus, Mean survival time, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.