RESUMO
The present study has investigated the chemopreventive and antilipidperoxidative effects of the ethanolic extract of Clerodendron inerme leaves (CiELet) in DMBA induced skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. The skin squamous cell carcinoma was induced in the shaved back of mice, by painting with DMBA (25 microg 0.1 mL(-1) acetone) twice weekly for 8 weeks. We have observed 100% tumor formation in the fifteenth week of experimental period. Elevated lipid peroxidation and decline in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants status was observed in tumor bearing mice. Oral administration of CiELet (300 mg kg(-1) bw) for 25 weeks significantly prevented the tumor incidence, volume and burden of the tumor. The CiELet also showed potent antilipidperoxidative effect as well as enhanced the antioxidant defense mechanisms in DMBA painted mice. The present study thus demonstrated the chemopreventive and antilipidperoxidative efficacy of CiELet in DMBA induced mouse skin carcinogenesis.