Anti-tumor potential of cucurbitacin triterpenoids of Momordica dioica Roxb. fruit by EAC induced ascites tumor model

Abstract

Momordica dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae) is commonly known as spiny gourd and traditionally used as astringent, febrifuge, antiseptic, anthelmintic, spermicidal and also used in bleeding piles, urinary infection and as a sedative. Studies indicate that it possesses antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid peroxidative, hypoglycaemic and analgesic properties. In this study, the anticancer efficacy of Cucurbitacins  obtained from Momordica dioica Roxb. (MDR)  has been evaluated. Based on previous in-vitro studies performed, in-vivo studies were carried out on mice model. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were inoculated into swiss albino mice intraperitoneally to form a liquid tumor and then treated with oral administration of 50, 100, 200mg/kg. Evaluation parameters involved the mean survival time (MST), body weight, hematological parameters, Percentage increase in life span were measured in normal control, EAC control and Cucurbitacin treated groups (n = 6). Treatment with Cucurbitacins enriched fraction has shown anti-tumor effects against liquid tumor as indicated by a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in body weight. Interestingly, the enriched bio fraction restored the altered hematological parameters of tumor-bearing animals and significantly increased their life span. These data indicate the cytotoxic potential effects of MDR  on tumor cells opening new opportunities for further studies on the anti-cancer effects of this agent.