Amarogentin can reduce hyperproliferation by downregulation of Cox-II and upregulation of apoptosis in mouse skin carcinogenesis model.

Swertia chirata, is a bitter plant, used in the Indian system of medicine (Ayurveda) for various human ailments. Our laboratory was the first to report the chemopreventive effect of this plant. The antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic action of amarogentin rich fraction of S. chirata is now demonstrated on a mouse skin carcinogenesis model. Immunohistochemical localization revealed a reduction in proliferating and increase in apoptotic cells in skin lesion following treatment, also reflected in the expression of molecular markers--Cox-II and caspase-3 proteins. It may be possible to calculate relative risk, relative protection and attributable risk from the action of test agents on proliferation and apoptosis.