The aim of this work was to investigate the phytochemical and anti-proliferative activity in vitro of the aerial parts of lotus peregrinus L. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of lotus peregrinus L. (Family; Fabacea) revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, tannins and carbohydrates. Protein amino acids analysis showed the presence of 17 amino acids as protein amino acids. Aspartic acid (8.526 mg/g) and Glutamic acid (6.069 mg/g) represented as the major components of protein amino acids, respectively. Combined and free sugars analysis showed the presence of 12 free sugars. L-Rhaminose (21.9136) and Glucuronic (21.656 %) represented as the major free sugars, meanwhile the Xylose (29.425%); followed by Glucuronic (27.899%) represented as the major combined sugars. Twelve fatty acids were estimated; the highest percentage was that of Linoleic acid (18.489). Fourteen known hydrocarbon were found, the highest percentage was that of Eicosane (8.027%) in addition to three sterols; the highest percentage was that of Stigmasterol. two triterpene: alpha-Amyrin and lupeol in addition to one acyclic diterpene; Neophytadiene were detected. Anti-proliferative activity was carried out on the successive extracts (diethyl-ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and ethanol 70% extracts) of lotus peregrinus L aerial parts to evaluate the Anti-proliferative properties. Diethyl ether was found to be potential anti-proliferative extract and promising natural agent. The chemical composition of the diethyl ethyl extracts can be useful in the chemosystematics of this species. Further studies will be needed to clarify the exact mechanism of Lotus peregrinus L. most active extracts as anti-cancer agent.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the bioactive constituent of diethyl ether extract and to determine whether the diethyl ether extract of Lotus peregrinus L. exerts chemoprotected effect by stimulating apoptosis during medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)-DMBA mammary carcinogenesis using the expression of the apoptosis-associated proteins Bax and caspases 9; as well as improvement of oxidative status of the mammary tumor tissue. Sixty female wistar rats (52 days old) were divided into four equal groups. Group I (normal group): rats administered distilled water. Group II (carcinogenic group); on day 0, wistar rats were given DMBA (2.5 mg/ rat; orally) followed by second dose DMBA (2.5 mg/ rat; orally) on day 15, 90-day timedrelease pellets containing 25 mg MPA were implanted' into rats on day 30. Group III (diethyl ether protected), on day 0, wistar rats were given DMBA (2.5 mg/ rat; orally) followed by second dose DMBA (2.5 mg/ rat; orally) on day 15, on day 26 rats were administered diethyl ether (50 mg /kg. b. wt.; orally), 90-day timed-release pellets containing 25 mg MPA were implanted into rats on day 30. Group IV (diethyl ether treated group); given diethyl ether (50 mg /kg. b. wt.; orally) after induction of mammary cancer. Our findings showed the positive treatment of mammary tumor and improved oxidative status of the tissue was evident by increase in the levels of GSH, Catalase and decreased levels of serum MDA levels which in turn is an indicator of reduced oxidative stress of the tissue. Therefore, this study suggests that diethyl ether extract of Lotus peregrinus can be useful for the treatment as well as improvement of oxidative status of the mammary tumor tissue .Also, was more effective in inhibiting DMBA-MPA induced mammary tumors and modulating the expression of apoptosis associated proteins.