Cellular and Molecular Biology
Open Access

Therapeutic Effects of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extract of Phyllanthus amarus on 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine Induced Colon Carcinogenesis in Balb/C Mice

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Context: Phyllanthus amarus is traditionally used for treating various infections, inflammation and cancer. The underlying pathological mechanisms of colon cancer remain elusive. Evaluation of the effects of medical plant extracts in animal models could provide us with important ameliorative potential and therapeutic mechanisms.

Objective: In the present study the effects of aqueous and ethanolic extract of Phyllanthus amarus on colon cancer in Balb/C Mice induced by 1, 2 Dimethylhydrazine was investigated.

Materials and Methods: 30 female Balb/C Mice of weight 18-30g were acclimatized for a week and randomized into 6 groups (5/ group). Group A (-DMH), Group B(+DMH) , Group C( DMH + 250mg/kg body weight of ethanolic extract of P.amarus), Group D(DMH+ 350mg/kg body weight of ethanolic of P.amarus), Group E ( DMH + 250mg/kg body weight of Aqueous extract of P.amarus), Group F(DMH+ 350mg/kg body weight of aqueous Extract of P.amarus). 20mg/kg body weight of DMH was administered orally for 21 days (twice a week). The plant extracts were administered daily for 3 weeks with the aid of a gavage immediately after colon cancer induction. Colon cancer was evaluated by the formation of Aberrant Cryptic Foci in the colon of DMH treated mice.

Results: Administration of the plant extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) ameliorated the carcinogenic effect of DMH in the colon of DMH treated mice in a dose dependent manner by significantly reducing the number of aberrant cryptic foci formed in extract-treated mice by 38% for 350mg/kg body of ethanolic extract and by 22% for 350mg/kg body of aqueous extract of P amarus.

Conclusion:  The studied extracts had ameliorative potential on DMH induced colon cancer in Balb/C mice in a dose dependent manner providing evidence for the traditional use of this herb for treatment/prevention of cancer. Notably, 350mg/kg body of both extracts showed better reduction of AFC compared to 250mg/kg body of both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P amarus.

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