Isolation and evaluation of anticancer efficacy of stigmasterol in a mouse model of DMBA-induced skin carcinoma

Abstract

Stigmasterol (99.9% pure) was isolated from Azadirachta indica and its chemopreventive effect on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer was investigated in Swiss albino mice. Skin tumors were induced by topical application of DMBA and promoted by croton oil. To assess the chemopreventive potential of stigmasterol, it was orally administered at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg three times weekly for 16 weeks. Reduction in tumor size and cumulative number of papillomas were seen as a result of treatment with stigmasterol. The average latency period was significantly increased as compared with the carcinogen-treated control. Stigmasterol induced a significant decrease in the activity of serum enzymes, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin as compared with the control. Stigmasterol significantly increased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase as compared with the control. Elevated levels of lipid peroxide and DNA damage in the control group were significantly inhibited by administration of stigmasterol. From the present study, it can be inferred that stigmasterol has chemopreventive activity in an experimental model of cancer. This chemopreventive activity may be linked to the oxidative stress of stigmasterol. The antigenotoxic properties of stigmasterol are also likely to contribute to its chemopreventive action.

Anticancer activity and phytochemical composition of wild Gundelia�tournefortii

“…It has been demonstrated that sitosterol acts as an inhibitor of tumor promotion in vivo and that it inhibits carcinogenesis (7,8). Furthermore, stigmasterol significantly inhibits tumor promotion in two-stage carcinogenesis in mice (7,9). A mixture of sitosterol and stigmasterol was indicated to possess anti-inflammatory activity following topical application (10).…”

Phytochemical Compounds in Arundo donax L. Rhizome and Antimicrobial Activities

“…5 However, in this study, sterols were found to be the major constituents of the HEX, DCM, and EA extracts from A. donax L. with 52%, 42%, and 30% relative content, respectively. Although sterol was found in methanolic 11 anticancer effects against skin carcinoma, 12 and antidiabetic activities. 13 Thus, A. donax L. rhizome maybe one important source of sterol compounds for further medicinal application.…”

Phytochemical Investigation and Evaluation of in Vitro Antioxidant Activity of the Plant Cyperus Tegetum Roxb

“…The anticancer activity has been observed in the species of Cyperus rotundus [30,31]. It is reported that stigmasterol also has anticancer activity in a mouse model of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced skin carcinoma [32]. Therefore, it can be suggested that various works associated with free radical generation in the body such as anticancer activity could be performed on the different extracts of Cyperus tegetum.…”