EJMS

Abstract

Cancer represents a major cause of mortality in most parts of the world. Graviola confer a number of health benefits to the host and plant have been identified to treat a wide range of diseases including cancer. The objective of this study is to examine the antitumor activity of graviola fruit (FR) and the extract of graviola leaves and stems (EX) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) induced experimentally in female Swiss albino mice and comparing their antitumor effect when administered alone with their combination with a single dose of cisplatin (CIS) which is used as a standard antitumor agent. Mice were fed with fortified diet containing FR (78 gm/kg) for 12 weeks, while other groups were fed with normal diet. Ascites tumor was introduced into mice by i.p. inoculation of 2.5 × 106 of EAC cells/mouse. One day later, two groups were i.p. injected with EX at a dose of (1 g/kg/day). A single dose of CIS (5 mg/kg) was i.p. injected either alone or combined with FR or EX administration. The mean survival time (MST) and percentage increase in life span (%ILS) were calculated on the basis of mortality of EAC-bearing mice. The results obtained were comparable with that of the standard drug cisplatin. The anticancer activity of FR or EX was supported by the increased survival time. Combination treatment with CIS in EAC-bearing mice potentiated CIS's antitumor efficacy and host survivability. The present study sheds light on the antitumor potentialities of FR and EX and further experimental studies are recommended to elucidate the active principles and mode of action involved in this antitumor activity.