Chemomodulatory Potential of Flaxseed Oil Against DMBA/Croton Oil-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis in Mice.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential of flaxseed oil to prevent chemically induced skin cancer in mice. Cancer was induced on 2-stage skin carcinogenesis model by single topical application of 7,12 dimethylbenz [a]anthracene (DMBA), as, initiator, and two weeks later it was promoted by croton oil treatment thrice a week on the dorsal surface of mice for 16 weeks. Flaxseed oil (FSO; 100µL/animal/d) was orally administered 1 week before and 1 week after DMBA application (Peri-initiation stage). The animals of the FSO-administered group showed a significant reduction in tumor incidence (76.67%), cumulative number of tumors (37), tumor yield (3.7), and tumor burden (4.81) when compared with the carcinogen-treated control animals. Biochemical parameters in skin and liver tissue such as LPO and phase I enzymes were significantly (P < .01) reduced in the FSO-treated experimental group, whereas the phase II enzymes (GST, DT-diaphorase) and antioxidant parameters (GSH, GPx, SOD, catalase, and vitamin C) exhibited a significant (P < .01) elevation when compared with the animals of the carcinogen-treated control group. Histopathological alterations in the carcinogen-treated control animals were also observed in the form of epidermal hyperplasia, keratinized pearl formation, and acanthosis in skin and tumors, whereas these were found to be reduced after FSO administration. The results of the present study demonstrate that the oral administration of FSO has the potential to modulate the levels of LPO, antioxidants, and detoxification enzymes in the DMBA-croton oil-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Comparative study on the effect of chemicals on Alternaria blight in Indian mustard--a multi-location study in India.

High severity of Altemaria blight disease is a major constraint in production of rapeseed-mustard in India. The aim of this study was to investigate the suppressive potential of chemicals viz., zinc sulphate, borax, sulphur, potash and calcium sulphate, aqueous extracts viz., Eucalyptus globosus (50 g l-1) leaf extract and garlic (Allium sativum) bulb (20 g l-1) extract, cow urine and bio-agents Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescence in comparison with the recommended chemical fungicide (mancozeb), against foliar disease Alternaria blight of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. and Coss] under five different geographical locations of India. Mancozeb recorded the lowest mean severity (leaf: 33.1%; pod: 26.3%) of Alternaria blight with efficacy of garlic bulb extract alone (leaf = 34.4%; pod = 27.3%) or in combination with cow urine (leaf = 34.2%; pod = 28.6%) being statistically at par with the recommended chemical fungicide. Chemicals also proved effective in reducing Alternaria blight severity on leaves and pods of Indian mustard (leaf = 36.3-37.9%; pod = 27.5-30.1%). The effective treatments besides providing significant reduction in disease severity also enabled increase in dry seed yield of the crop (mancozeb = 2052 kg ha-1; garlic = 2006 kg ha-1; control = 1561 kg ha-1).

Radiation-Induced Testicular Injury and Its Amelioration by Tinospora cordifolia (An Indian Medicinal Plant) Extract.

The primary objective of this investigation is to determine the deleterious effects of sub lethal gamma radiation on testes and their possible inhibition by Tinospora cordifolia extract (TCE). For this purpose, one group of male Swiss albino mice was exposed to 7.5 Gy gamma radiation to serve as the irradiated control, while the other group received TCE (75 mg/kg b. wt./day) orally for 5 consecutive days half an hr before irradiation to serve as experimental. Exposure of animals to 7.5 Gy gamma radiation resulted into significant decrease in body weight, tissue weight, testes- body weight ratio and tubular diameter up to 15 days of irradiation. Cent percent mortality was recorded by day 17th in irradiated control, whereas all animals survived in experimental group. TCE pretreatment rendered significant increase in body weight, tissue weight, testes- body weight ratio and tubular diameter at various intervals as compared to irradiated group. Radiation induced histological lesions in testicular architecture were observed more severe in irradiated control then the experimental. TCE administration before irradiation significantly ameliorated radiation induced elevation in lipid peroxidation and decline in glutathione concentration in testes. These observations indicate the radio- protective potential of Tinospora cordifolia root extract in testicular constituents against gamma irradiation in mice.

Amelioration of radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice by Panax ginseng extract.

BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to observe the radioprotective effect of Panax ginseng root extract (PGE) against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in blood and liver of mice. Materials and methods. Adult Swiss albino mice were exposed to 6 Gy gamma radiation in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of PGE to study the quantitative and qualitative alterations in the blood and liver. RESULTS: Radiation exposure resulted in a significant decline (P<.001) in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) in peripheral blood. Maximum changes in all the parameters were observed on day 3 after irradiation. In contrast, PGE-pretreated irradiated animals showed a significant increase in erythrocyte, Hct, and Hb values compared with irradiated controls. Furthermore, a significant elevation in lipid peroxidation level over normal was recorded in irradiated control mice, whereas this increase was considerably lesser in PGE pretreated animals. Likewise, pretreatment with PGE caused a significant increase in glutathione levels in serum as well as in liver in comparison to irradiated controls. CONCLUSION: From this study, it is clearly evident that PGE provides protection against radiation-induced hematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice.

Evaluation of anti-cancer and anti-oxidative potential of Syzygium Cumini against benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) induced gastric carcinogenesis in mice.

Syzygium cummini extract (SCE) was used in the present study to explore anti-tumor promoting activity in a stomach carcinogenesis model in mice. For this purpose, Swiss albino mice were administered with 1 mg of benzo-a-pyrene (BaP) in 100?l sesame oil by oral gavage twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The animals were sacrificed 14 weeks after the last administration of BaP. Oral administration of the extract to pre-treated (i.e. SCE as 25mg/kg b. wt./ day before BaP application for 2 weeks), post-treated (i.e. SCE after BaP application for 8 weeks) and pre-post treated (i.e. SCE for 2 weeks before treatment of BaP followed by the concomitant treatment with SCE and BaP for 4 weeks during and 2 weeks after the last dose of BaP) groups provided a significant reduction in tumor incidence, tumor burden and cumulative number of gastric carcinomas along with a significant elevation of phase II detoxifying enzymes, and inhibition of lipid per oxidation in the stomach. Thus, the present data suggest that the Syzygium cummini extract has anti-tumor and anti-oxidative potential against chemical induced stomach carcinogenesis.

Chemopreventive action of Syzygium cumini on DMBA-induced skin papillomagenesis in mice.

Syzygium cumini L. is widely used for the treatment of diabetes in various parts of India. The protective efficacy of S. cumini seed extract (SCE) against peroxidative damage contributing to skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice was tested in the present study. A single topical application of 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene (100 microg/100 microl acetone), followed 2 weeks later by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone three times a week) and continued till the end of the experiment (i.e., 16 weeks) caused a 100% tumor incidence. In contrast, mice treated with the SCE (125 mg/ kg/ b.wt./ animal /day) in either the peri (i.e. 7 days before and 7 days after the application of DMBA) or post-initiation (i.e. from the day of start of croton oil treatment and continued till the end of the experiment) phases demonstrated significant reduction in cumulative numbers of papillomas and tumor incidence (75%). The average latency period in the SCE treated group was also significantly increased (Pre Group - 11.1 weeks; Post Group - 10.9 weeks) as compared with the carcinogen control group (7.9). Results from the present study indicate that the anticarcinogenic activity of SCE during DMBA-induced skin papillomagenesis is mediated through alteration of antioxidant status. Thus, SCE can be considered as a readily accessible, promising novel cancer chemopreventive agent.

Chemomodulatory effects of Aegle marmelos against DMBA-induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice.

Aegle marmelos is widely used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, cancer chemopreventive properties were evaluated on 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced skin papillomagenesis in Swiss albino mice. A single topical application of DMBA, followed 2 weeks later by repeated application of croton oil till the end of the experiment ( i.e. 16 weeks) caused a 100% tumor incidence. In contrast, mice treated with the AME (50 mg/kg b. wt./animal/day) in the peri-initiational phase (i.e. 7 days before and 7 days after DMBA application; Group IV) and post-initiational phase (from the day of croton oil treatment till the end of the experiment; Group V), exhibited a significant reduction to 70 and 50% respectively. The cumulative number of papillomas after 16 weeks was 67 in the control group, but 26 and 23 in the animals treated with AME at peri-initiational and post-initiational stages, respectively. The tumor burden and tumor yield were significantly decreased (Group IV-3.7, 2.6; Group V- 4.6, 2.3) as compared to carcinogen treated control group (6.7, 6.7). The present study demonstrates the chemopreventive potential of Aegle marmelos fruit extract on DMBA induced skin tumorigenesis in mice.

Protective effect of an extract of Emblica officinalis against radiation-induced damage in mice.

The radioprotective effect of Emblica officinalis extract (EOE) was studied in mice. Swiss albino mice were exposed to gamma rays (5 Gy) in the absence (control) or presence (experimental) of EOE, orally 100 mg/kg body weight, once daily for 7 consecutive days. A specimen of small intestine (jejunum) was removed from the mice and studied at different autopsy intervals from 12 hours to 30 days. In control animals, crypt cell population, mitotic figures, and villus length were markedly reduced on day 1; these later started to increase progressively but did not attain the normal level even at the last autopsy interval. The animals receiving EOE prior to irradiation had a higher number of crypt cells and mitotic figures when compared with non-drug-treated control at all the autopsy intervals. Irradiation of animals resulted in a dose-dependent elevation in lipid peroxidation and a reduction in glutathione as well as catalase concentration in the intestine at 1 hour post-irradiation. In contrast, EOE treatment before irradiation caused a significant depletion in lipid peroxidation and elevation in glutathione and catalase levels.

Anti-tumor activity of Phyllanthus niruri (a medicinal plant) on chemical-induced skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Chemoprevention is an important strategy to control the process of carcinogenesis. The potential of using medicinal herbs as cancer chemopreventive nutraceuticals and functional food is promising. Thus, there is a need for exploring drugs/agents which act as chemopreventive agents. Phyllanthus niruri is a well known medicinal plant which has been used in Ayurvedic medicine as hepatoprotective, antiviral, antibacterial, analgesic, antispasmodic and antidiabetic. The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of a hydro-alcoholic extract of the whole plant, in 7-9 week old male Swiss albino mice, on the two stage process of skin carcinogenesis induced by a single topical application of 7, 12-dimethylbenz (a)anthracene (100 microg/100 microl acetone) and two weeks later promoted by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone/three times a week) till the end of experiment (16 weeks). The oral administration of P. niruri at a dose of 1000 mg/kg/b.wt. at peri- (i.e. 7 days before and 7 days after DMBA application) and post- (i.e. starting from the croton oil application) initiational phase of papillomagenesis caused significant reduction in tumor incidence, tumor yield, tumor burden and cumulative number of papillomas as compared to carcinogen-treated controls. Furthermore, the average latent period was significantly increased in the PNE treated group. The results thus suggest that P. niruri extract exhibits significant anti-tumor activity, which supports the traditional medicinal utilization of this plant.

Chemopreventive potential of an Indian medicinal plant (Tinospora cordifolia) on skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi), an Indian medicinal plant, was used to explore antitumor promoting activity in a two-stage skin carcinogenesis model. For this purpose, mice were treated by single application of DMBA (100 microg/100 microl of acetone) and two weeks later promoted by croton oil (1% in acetone three times a week) until the end of the experiment (i.e., 16 weeks). Oral administration of the above extract at the preinitiational stage (i.e., seven days before and seven days after DMBA application; group IV), promotional stage (i.e., from the time of croton oil application; group V), and both pre- and postintiational stage (i.e., from the time of DMBA application and continued until the end of the experiment; group VI; on the shaven backs of the mice at the dose of 100 mg/kg body weight/day for 16 weeks) recorded significant reduction in tumor weight, tumor incidence in comparison to control (i.e., mice treated with DMBA and croton oil; group III). Furthermore, cumulative number of papillomas, tumor yield, tumor burden, and tumor weight showed significant reduction along with significant elevation of phase II detoxifying enzymes, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in liver and skin in the animals administered with such plant extract concomitant to carcinogen exposure. Thus, the present data strongly suggests that the Tinospora cordifolia extract has anti-tumor potential in a two-stage skin carcinogenesis mouse model.

Modulation of radiation-induced biochemical alterations in mice by rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) extract.

Radioprotective effect of leaves extract of Rosemarinus officinalis (ROE) has been studied against 6 Gy gamma-radiations in the liver of Swiss albino mice at various post-irradiation intervals between 12 h and 30 days. In control animals (without ROE treated irradiated), an elevation in glycogen, protein, acid and alkaline contents was found till day 5th, but thereafter decreased at successive intervals without returning to normal. Cholesterol level was found to be lower than normal till 10th day, then increased up to 20th day but later declined without restoring normal level. A similar trend of variation in these biochemical parameters was observed in experimental group (ROE pretreated irradiated) also but to a lower extent. ROE significantly delayed and inhibited the rise in these biochemical parameters. Almost normal values of such constituents were regained by day 30th in experimental animals; whereas in control animals, normal values were not ever attained. In control animals, there was an elevation in lipid peroxidation (LPx) and a decrease in glutathione (GSH) in blood and liver; whereas in experimental group, decline in LPx accompanied by an increase in GSH concentration was observed.

Protection of Swiss albino mice against whole-body gamma irradiation by diltiazem.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the radioprotective effect of diltiazem (DTZ) on Swiss albino mice exposed to gamma radiation. In the present study, radioprotective efficacy of DTZ (a calcium channel blocker) was studied against radiation induced haematological and biochemical alterations. Swiss albino mice of 6-8 weeks old were administered diltiazem (100 mg kg(-1) by weight) intraperitoneally prior to whole body gamma-irradiation (7.5 Gy). Radiation exposure resulted in a significant decline in different bone marrow cells (pro- and normoblasts) and blood constituents (erythrocytes, leukocytes, differential leukocyte count, haematocrit, haemoglobin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Pro- and normoblasts, erythrocytes, leukocytes, haematocrit and haemoglobin values showed a significant (p<0.0051) decline until day 3, following a gradual recovery from day 7, but normal values were not recorded until 28 days post-exposure. In contrast, erythropoietin levels increased significantly and reached a maximum on day 3. In DTZ pre-treated irradiated animals, a significant increase in pro- and normoblasts, erythrocytes, leukocytes, differential leukocyte count, haematocrit and haemoglobin values, and a significant decrease in erythropoietin values, were observed compared with control. A significant elevation above normal in lipid peroxidation level was recorded in gamma irradiated mice, whereas this increase was considerably less in DTZ pre-treated animals. Similarly, pre-treatment of DTZ caused a significant increase in erythropoietin and glutathione levels in serum in comparison with irradiated animals. From our study it is clear that DTZ provides protection against radiation-induced haematological and biochemical alterations in Swiss albino mice.

Prevention of Radiation Induced Hematological Alterations by Medicinal Plant Rosmarinus Officinalis; in Mice

The modulatory influence of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaves extract was investigated in Swiss albino mice at a dose of 3 Gy gamma radiation. For this purpose; adult Swiss albino mice were irradiated with 3 Gy gamma rays in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of rosemary (1000 mg/kg body wt.). These animals were necropsied and their blood was collected at days 1; 3; 5; 10; 20 and 30 post-irradiation. A decrease in the number of erythrocyte and leucocyte counts; hemoglobin content and hematocrit percentage was scored in the control group; whereas a recovery pattern was recorded in experimental animals and a normal value of hematological parameters were regained by day 30 post-treatment. In irradiated group; glutathione level was registered low in the blood; whereas a significant elevation was estimated in rosemary pre-treated animals. An increase in lipid peroxidation level above normal was evident in serum of irradiated mice; while a significant decrease in such values was noted in rosemary pretreated group. The present study suggests the possible radioprotective ability of rosemary extract

Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in modulating 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene induced skin tumorigenesis in mice.

The chemopreventive potential of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on 7,12-dimethlybenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) initiated and croton oil promoted mouse skin tumorigenesis was assessed. The modulatory effects of R. officinalis was monitored on the basis of the average latency period, tumor incidence, tumor burden, tumor yield, tumor weight and diameter as well as lipid peroxidation and glutathione level. The results indicate that R. officinalis leaves extract could prolong the latency period of tumor occurrence, decrease the tumor incidence, tumor burden and tumor yield. The average weight and diameter of tumors recorded were comparatively lower in the rosemary extract treated mouse groups. The level of lipid peroxidation was significantly reduced in blood serum and liver. Furthermore, depleted levels of glutathione were restored in RE-administered animal groups. Thus, at a dose rate of 500 mg/kg body wt/mouse, the oral administration of rosemary extract was found to be significantly protective against two-stage skin tumorigenesis.

Prevention of radiation induced hematological alterations by medicinal plant Rosmarinus officinalis, in mice.

The modulatory influence of Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaves extract was investigated in Swiss albino mice at a dose of 3 Gy gamma radiation. For this purpose, adult Swiss albino mice were irradiated with 3 Gy gamma rays in the presence (experimental) or absence (control) of rosemary (1000 mg/kg body wt.). These animals were necropsied and their blood was collected at days 1, 3, 5, 10, 20 and 30 post-irradiation. A decrease in the number of erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, hemoglobin content and hematocrit percentage was scored in the control group; whereas a recovery pattern was recorded in experimental animals and a normal value of hematological parameters were regained by day 30 post-treatment. In irradiated group, glutathione level was registered low in the blood, whereas a significant elevation was estimated in rosemary pre-treated animals. An increase in lipid peroxidation level above normal was evident in serum of irradiated mice, while a significant decrease in such values was noted in rosemary pretreated group. The present study suggests the possible radioprotective ability of rosemary extract.

Radioprotection of Swiss albino mice by Emblica officinalis.

The fruit pulp of Emblica officinalis (EO) is an important drug used in Indian systems of medicine for several diseases and as a tonic. In view of its multifarious uses, the plant extract (aqueous) was tested for its radioprotective properties against sublethal gamma radiation (9 Gy) in Swiss albino mice. Animals were divided into two groups and irradiated with gamma radiation externally, with or without EO extract, which was given orally at different doses before irradiation. The dose of fruit pulp extract found to be most effective against radiation was 100 mg/kg b.wt. This dose increased the survival time and reduced the mortality rate of mice significantly. Furthermore, body weight loss in EO administered irradiated animals was significantly less in comparison with animals who were given radiation only.

Chemopreventive action of emblica officinalis on skin carcinogenesis in mice.

Chemoprevention with food phytochemicals is currently regarded as one of the most important strategies for cancer control. Emblica officinalis (Family: Euphorbiaceae) indigenous to India, is valued for its unique tannins and flavanoids, which contain very powerful antioxidant properties. The inhibition of tumor incidences by fruit extract of this plant has been evaluated on two-stage process of skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice, induced by a single application of 7, 12-dimethyabenz(a)anthrecene (100 microg / 100 microl acetone), and two weeks later, promoted by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone/thrice a week) till the end of the experiment (16 weeks). The tumor incidence, tumor yield, tumor burdon and cumulative number of papillomas were found to be higher in the control (without EO treatment) as compared to experimental animals (EO treated). The differences in the values of the results of experimental groups were statistically analysed and found to be significant in comparison to the control group (p< 0.05). The present study demonstrates the chemopreventive potential of Emblica officinalis fruit extract on DMBA induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice.

Protection of swiss albino mice against whole-body gamma irradiation by Mentha piperita (Linn.).

The radioprotective effects of Mentha oil (Mentha piperita Linn.) against radiation induced haematological alterations in peripheral blood and the survival of Swiss albino mice were studied. Mentha oil 40 micro L/animal/day for 3 consecutive days when fed orally prior to whole-body gamma irradiation (8 Gy) showed protection of the animals in terms of the survival percentage and haematological parameters in mice. Fifty per cent of the animals died within 20 days and 100% mortality was observed up to 30 days post-irradiation in the control irradiated group. Whereas only 17% of the mice died within 30 days in the experimental group (Mentha oil pretreated irradiated). The total RBC count decreased maximally at 24 h (3.45 +/- 0.20 x 10(12)/L, p < 0.001), similar observations were obtained for the WBC count, haemoglobin content and haematocrit percentage in the irradiated control animals. However, in irradiated animals pretreated with Mentha oil, although the initial values of haematological components were lower they later showed a remarkable recovery reaching normal at 30 days post-irradiation compared with the irradiated control animals. In general, the recovery of the blood cell number in irradiated animals depends on the survival of stem cells and their derivatives. The results from the present study suggest that the oil of Mentha piperita (Linn.) has a radioprotective role in stimulating/protecting the haematopoietic system. Hence, enhanced survival and an increase in the haematological constituents of peripheral blood of mice against lethal gamma radiation was observed.

Modulation of serum phosphatases activity in Swiss albino mice against gamma irradiation by Mentha piperita Linn.

The modulatory influence of mentha oil (Mentha piperita Linn.) against a lethal dose (8.0 Gy) of gamma irradiation on the activities of serum phosphatases in Swiss albino mice was studied at various post-irradiation intervals between 6 h and 30 days. Mentha oil (40 microL/animal/day) given orally for 3 consecutive days prior to whole-body irradiation (8.0 Gy) showed a modulation of activity of serum phosphatases. The values of acid phosphatase activities were significantly higher in the irradiated groups throughout the experiment compared with the mentha treated unirradiated animals. However, the acid phosphatase activity of mentha treated irradiated animals showed a significant decline over untreated irradiated animals at all autopsy intervals, which attained the normal value on day 5. On the contrary, a marked decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase activity was noted in both irradiated groups but in the mentha treated irradiated group the values of alkaline phosphatase activity were found to be significantly higher than the respective control during the period of study being normal at day 5 post-irradiation and onwards.

A two-centre collaborative study on clinico-epidemiological profile of a recent outbreak of epidemic dropsy in New Delhi (India) with special emphasis on its cardiac manifestations in pediatric patients.

A hundred and six clinically diagnosed cases of epidemic dropsy, admitted in June to August 1998 to the P-III unit of RML Hospital and the Department of Pediatrics, Safdarjang Hospital, were studied. All of them consumed mustard oil contaminated with Argemona mexicana, confirmed by ferric chloride and nitric acid tests. No specific sex predilection was seen. No child was affected below the age of 3 years. Pedal edema and reddish hyperpigmentation were the most consistent findings (100 per cent). Frank cardiac failure was seen in only 24 (22.64 per cent), yet persistent tachycardia was alarmingly high (104/106, i.e. 98.4 per cent). Notably ECG showed prolonged Q-T interval in 24 children (22.64 per cent), unrelated to serum Ca2+ level in patients with congestive cardiac failure (CCF). Color Doppler echocardiography showed biventricular dilatation in all the 24 patients with CCF. Wide pulse pressure was recorded in two patients only. Mortality occurred in only two patients (1.89 per cent). Eye involvement was a late finding. All those who survived (i.e. 104/106) recovered completely, except two patients who were left with sarcoid-like changes of skin telangiectasia.