Amelioration of Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis by Aegle marmelos, an Indian Medicinal Plant, Fruit Extract

Abstract

Chemoprevention is a novel approach to study the anti-initiating and anti-tumor-promoting efficacy of medicinal plants and their active principles. The present study investigated the chemopreventive potential of Aegle marmelos fruit extract in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced skin carcinogenesis and its influence on oxidative stress and the antioxidant defense system. The oral administration of A marmelos at 100 mg/kg body weight/day during peri-initiational, postinitiational, and peri- & postinitiational phases of papillomagenesis showed significant reduction in tumor incidence, tumor yield, tumor burden, and cumulative number of papillomas when compared with carcinogen-treated control. The average latent period significantly increased (7.88 weeks; control group) to 9.45, 11.11, and 11.54 weeks in different A marmelos extract (AME) experimental groups. Enzyme analysis of skin and liver showed a significant elevation in antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and vitamin C in AME-treated groups when compared with the carcinogen-treated control. The elevated level of lipid peroxidation in the positive control was significantly inhibited by AME administration. These results indicate that AME has the potential to reduce chemical-induced skin papillomas by enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos (L.)-An overview

“…Cancer is a major public health problem, being the second highest cause of death in both men and women in developed as well as developing countries [34] . In 2008, approximately 12.7 million new cancer cases (56% of which were in developing regions of the world) and 7.6 million cancer deaths (63% in less developed regions) occurred.…”

18-β Glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates 2-acetylaminofluorene-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

“…Many chemically induced experiments have been conducted on rodents to evaluate the chemopreventive potentials of possible drugs. [5][6][7] 2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) is an aromatic amine and a potent carcinogen that induces tumours in various species and tissues including liver. [8][9][10][11] 2-AAF shows genotoxic effect by producing free radicals that damages DNA and other macromolecules.…”

Anticancer Potential of A. marmelos Fruit Extract in Human Colon Cancer Cell Lines is Mediated through the Regulation of EMT Signalling Molecules

“…This fruit is mostly found in India, Bangladesh, Burma and Srilanka. The tree will have a bitter arid and sour taste [8]. Cancer is one of the major health issues [9].…”