Title:In vivo Anticancer Efficacy of Cinnamomum tamala Leaf Extract in Ehrlich’s Carcinoma-Bearing BALB/c Mice
Volume: 20
Issue: 3
Author(s): Sushmita Semwal, Neeraj Kumar*, Bhuwan Chandra Joshi and Piyush Verma
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shri Guru Ram Rai University,
Dehradun-248001, Uttarakhand, India
Keywords:
Cinnamomum tamala, Ehrlich’s Carcinoma, antitumor, doxorubicin, antioxidant, bioactive compounds.
Abstract:
Background: The plant Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C.H.
Ebern. (Family: Lauraceae) is commonly known as ‘tejpaat’ in India, has leaves and
bark reported to possess anticancer, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and diuretic activities.
The objective of the present study was to explore the antitumor potential of the
chloroform extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves (CTCE) in BALB/c mice against
Ehrlich’s Carcinoma (EC).
Methods: Based on preliminary in-vitro cytotoxicity studies, CTCE was selected for an
in-vivo antitumor study. Anticancer activity of CTCE was evaluated in BALB/c mice
against EC at the doses of 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight. CTCE was administered
for 15 consecutive days after induction of the tumor. After 24 hours from the last
administered dose and 18 hours of fasting, half of the mice were sacrificed, while the
other half was kept alive to evaluate any potential for increasing the lifespan. The antitumor
effect of CTCE was assessed by evaluating tumor volume, hematological parameters,
and the life span of the EC-bearing host.
Results: CTCE showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) in tumor volume and increased
the lifespan of EC tumor-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner compared with the
untreated group. The hematological profile, including RBC count, hemoglobin, WBC
count, and DLC, was also improved upon treatment.
Discussion: C. tamala chloroform extract (CTCE) showed significant anticancer potential
by reducing cell viability, inhibiting tumor growth, and prolonging survival without
toxicity, suggesting it as a promising source of bioactive compounds for anticancer drug
development.
Conclusion: The results suggest that CTCE exhibits dose-dependent anticancer activity
in comparison with EC control mice and demonstrates significant effects relative to
doxorubicin. Its antitumor activity may be attributed to the presence of active constituents
within the extract. This investigation also highlights recent advancements in intellectual
property rights and patent strategies related to plant-derived anticancer agents.
