Inhibitory effects of Ixora javanica extract on skin chemical carcinogenesis in mice and its antitumour activity.

Topical application of 100 mg/kg body weight of Ixora javanica flower extract inhibited the growth and delayed the onset of papilloma formation in mice initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) and promoted using croton oil. The extract at the same dose, when administered orally inhibited the growth of subcutaneously injected 20-methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced soft tissue fibrosarcomas significantly. Oral administration of 200 mg/kg of the extract inhibited the growth of intraperitoneally transplanted sarcoma-180 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumours besides showing an increase in the life span of the treated mice. Toxicity studies showed that the blood urea nitrogen levels were elevated post treatment. The active compounds responsible for the above inhibitory effects on tumour growth were identified as ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid) and its regionmer 3-hydroxy-4-methoxy cinnamic acid.