Antitumor Potential of Thevetia peruviana on Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma-Bearing Mice.

Methanol extracts of Thevetia peruviana (METP) (Apocynaceae) fruit showed antitumor activity against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell line in Swiss albino mice. The METP-treated group's tumor volume, tumor weight, and viable cell count were decreased compared to the EAC control group. Tumor volumes were 3.62±0.12 ml, 2.88±0.23 ml, and 1.34±0.17 ml for the EAC control group and the METP-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Nonviable cell counts were 4.44%±0.42%, 18.57%±3.07%, and 68.12%±5.32% in the EAC control group and the METP-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg body weight), respectively. METP-treated EAC cell-bearing mice had an increased life span (48.69% and 83.78%) compared to the EAC control group. Hematological and serum biochemical profiles were restored to normal levels in METP-treated mice compared to the EAC control group. METP significantly (P<0.001) decreased lipid peroxidation and recovered reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase toward normal levels compared to the EAC control group. In summary, METP exhibited remarkable antitumor activity in Swiss albino mice, which is plausibly attributable to its augmentation of endogenous antioxidant mechanisms.