PHARMACOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF WHOLE PLANT OF CASSIA ABSUS ON 1,2 DIMETHYL HYDRAZINE INDUCED COLON CANCER IN MICE

Background: Colon cancer is the most common cancer and fourth most frequent cause of cancer deaths worldwide. 1,2 dimethyl hydrazine (DMH) is a toxic environmental pollutant which as reported as a specific colon procarcinogen. Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) in the colonic mucosa have been hypothesized to represent precursor lesions of chemically induced colon cancer. Cassia absus has been traditionally claimed to be an anti tumor agent but no studies has been done so far. Based on the traditional claims, we presumed that Cassia absus as a potential anti-oxidant and anti-tumor agent, may show ameliorating effect on DMH induced colon cancer in mice. Objective: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ameliorating effect of ethnolic extract of whole plant of Cassia absus on DMH induced colon cancer in mice. Method: 30 mice (either sex) of 10 weeks old were divided into five groups (n=6)Group I - served as normal control group received vehicle p.o. Group II- disease control group received DMH (20mg/kg s.c.) twice a week for 2 weeks. Group-III and IV ? drug treated group received DMH (20 mg/kg sc.) twice a week for 2 weeks and Cassia absus (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 weeks. Group V received DMH (20 mg/kg s.c.) twice a week for 2 weeks and 5- fluorouracil (20 mgkg i.p.) once daily up to 2 weeks. During the treatment period body weights was measured at weekly intervals. At the end of seventh week all the animals were sacrificed and their colons were isolated for quantification of Aberrant Crypt Foci, Biochemical estimations (MDA, GSH, Catalase, SOD) and Histological studies. Results: Induction of colon cancer by DMH administration significantly decreased high incidence of ACF, aberrant crypts and crypt multiplicity along with decreased anti oxidant levels and increased colonic MDA levels. Administration of Cassia absus resulted in the decrease in the number of ACF and crypt multiplicity, antioxidant enzymes levels which reflect a favorable balance between potentially harmful oxidants and natural anti oxidants which may be attributed to the chemo preventive effect of Cassia absus. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study suggests that treatment with ethnolic extract of whole plant of Cassia absusexerts beneficial effect in DMH induced colon cancer in mice probably due to their anti oxidant and anti tumor properties. Key words: 1,2 dimethyl hydrazine (DMH), Aberrant Crypt Foci, Cassia absus