Protective effect ofBacopa monniera L. on cytarabine induced biochemical changes in chick embryo.

Bacopa monniera, a medicinal plant distributed throughout India. Cytosine arabinoside (1-β-arabinofuranosylcytosine; Ara-C) is the most important antimetabolite chemotherapeutic drug used for acute leukemia. In this study we examined the chemoprotective property of an ethanolic extract of Bacopa monniera on biochemical changes in chick embryo. CA caused biochemical changes in a concentration and time dependent manner in amniotic fluid, liver and heart tissues. Ethanolic extract of BM given to chick embryo at doses of 2, 4, 6 mg per egg. There is significant decrease in biochemical levels of glucose, protein, urea, uric acid, creatinine and inorganic phosphorus. Enzymatic activities of alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and malatedehydrogenase were also decreased with dose dependent manner in amniotic fluid, liver and heart tissues.