The incidence of esophageal cancer is rapidly increasing especially in developing countries. The major risk factors include unhealthy lifestyle practices such as alcohol consumption, smoking, and chewing tobacco to name a few. Diagnosis at an advanced stage and poor prognosis make esophageal cancer one of the most lethal diseases. These factors have urged further research in understanding the pathophysiology of the disease. Animal models not only aid in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of esophageal cancer but also help in developing therapeutic interventions for the disease. This review throws light on the various recent laboratory animal models for esophageal cancer.
Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Asteracantha longifolia Nees. (Syn. Hygrophila spinosa, Hygrophila auriculata) is a common weed growing in marshy and water logged areas. It is an important medicinal herb, widely distributed in India, and used by the local population for different medicinal purposes. In Ayurveda, the plant parts are used for the treatment of rheumatism, urinary tract infection, malaria, inflammation, diabetes, dysentery, jaundice, hepatic obstruction, pain, and decreased libido. Aim: The objective of the study is to explore the anticancer activity of the methanolic extract of A. longifolia on 7,12-Dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rats. Materials and Methods: The anticancer activity of the methanolic whole plant extract of A. longifolia was evaluated in Sprague Dawley rats in the mammary tumor induced by DMBA. The doses administered were 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight by oral route. The extracts were administered for 20 consecutive days. The tumor size was determined before and after the administration of the plant extract and compared with the antitumor effect of the standard drug cyclophosphamide (CYC). After the experiment, the rats were sacrificed and subjected to histopathology and biochemical analysis. Results: A. longifolia extracts showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the tumor size of DMBA-induced mammary tumor in mice. The extracts significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavanoids, which are potent antioxidants. Conclusion: The results showed that the methanolic extract of A. longifolia was more effective in inhibiting the tumor growth and safe in DMBA-induced mammary tumor in rats as compared to the standard drug, cyclophosphamide.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.