Evaluation of anti-cancer potential of aqueous extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (Y.Kimura) Hatus. forma ferreus, by in vivo ascitic tumor model in swiss albino mice

Background: India is a rich source of medicinal plants and number of plant extracts are used against diseases in various systems of medicine such as ayurveda, unani and siddha where only a few of them were scientifically explored. Objective: The objective of the present study was undertaken to perform dose dependent anti-cancer effect of aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. odoratissimus roots and leaves whose scientific documentation for anti-tumor agent is lacking despite using traditionally. Materials and Methods: The anti-cancer activity of methanolic extract of P. odoratissimus (MEPO) and aqueous extract of P. odoratissimus (AEPO) were tested against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma induced liquid tumors in swiss albino mice. The degree of protection was determined by change in body weight (gm), tumour volume (ml), packed cell volume (ml), cell viability (%), hematological parameters (R.B.C, W.B.C and hemoglobin content), mean survival time (MST), % increase in lifespan (% ILS) and histopathological observation of part of peritoneal layer. Results: The treatment with AEPO 400 mg/kg, p.o. in EAC treated mice reduced tumor volume, packed cell volume, body weight, cell viability and improved all hematological parameters, mean survival time and life span. Histopathological changes showed degenerative changes of tumor cells in peritoneal layer. The anti-cancer effects of AEPO 400 mg/kg, p.o. are equally more with that of the standard drug cisplatin. Conclusion: The results suggested that aqueous extract of roots and leaves of P. odoratissimus possess in vivo anti-cancer activity comparable to cisplatin and this study scientifically validated the traditional use of this plant.

Key words: Anticancer, Pandanus odoratissimus, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma.