Anticancer activity of Acacia nilotica (L.) Wild. Ex. Delile subsp. indica against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma induced solid and ascitic tumor model.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of A. nilotica extract against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DAL) induced solid and ascitic tumors in BALB/c mice. Experimental animals received A. nilotica extract (10 mg/kg.bw) intraperitoneally for 10 and 14 consecutive days before induction of solid and ascitic tumors, respectively. Treatment with A. nilotica extract significantly decreased the development of tumor and percentage increase in body weight when compared to DAL induced solid tumor control group, also increasing the life span, restoring the total white blood cell count and hemoglobin content and significantly decreasing the levels of serum aspartate transaminase (SGPT), alanine transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and nitric oxide (NO) when compared to DAL induced ascitic tumor controls. The treatment also reduced significantly the cellular glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide levels in treated animals. Histopathological studies also confirmed protective influence. The outcome of the present work indicates that A. nilotica extract could be used as natural anticancer agent for human health.