PHRAGMENTHERA CAPITATA (SPRENG.) BALLE METHANOL LEAVES EXTRACT IS USED SAFELY TO REDUCE TUMOR GROWTH IN C57BL/6J MICE BEARING MELANOMA B16- F10

Azabadji Ashu Evariste Leonce, Shrilekha Chilvery, Tagne Simo Richard, Biswajit Panda, Chandraiah Godugu and Telefo Phelix Bruno*

ABSTRACT

The present study aims to assess the toxicological profile and anti-melanoma effect of methanol extract of Phragmenthera capitata (Spreng.) Balle leaves in mice. MTT assay was used for cell viability assay. Acute and sub-acute toxicity studies in BALB/C mice were carried out. In acute toxicity study, a single dose (2000 mg/kg) was administered to three female mice and any signs of toxicity, morbidity or mortality were determined. In sub-acute toxicity, PCMe-OH (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) was administered orally to mice for 28 days. Their body weight, macroscopic organs observation and plasma parameters were evaluated. Histopathological analyses were also performed. The effect of PCMe-OH was evaluated on tumor growth in C57BL/6J mice bearing tumor by giving them a single oral dose (100 mg/kg) for 25 days. Body weight and tumor volume of animals were recorded throughout treatment. Final tumor weight was determined followed by Histopathological analyses of tumor tissue. PCMe-OH showed good cytotoxicity (IC50 = 55.35 ±1.17 μg/mL) against B16-F10 cell line. The Lethal Dose 50 (LD50) was greater than 2000 mg/kg. Few signs of toxicity at 200 mg/kg dosage was noted and histological sections reveal the presence of slight hepatic vascular congestion and fibrosis in the lung tissue. Tumor volume was significantly reduced throughout the treatment and tumor weight respectively in all treated mice. Histological sections of tumor tissues showed that PCMe-OH leads to a reduction in melanocyte proliferation and necrosis in treated mice. Therefore, Phragmenthera capitata could be used safely as a potent agent for melanoma management.

Keywords: Phragmenthera capitata; toxicity; melanoma; melanocyte.