Antioxidant activities of α-lipoic acid free and nano-capsule inhibit the growth of Ehrlich carcinoma.

To evaluate the relationship between oxidative stress, DNA damage, and suppression of tumor growth induced by lipoic acid free and nano-capsule. Lipoic acid nano-capsule was assessed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antitumor activity of lipoic acid free and nano-capsule was investigated in Ehrlich solid tumor bearing mice. The endpoints measured were superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, DNA damage (comet assay), histopathological examination of tissues and tumor growth volume. Treatment with α-lipoic acid (A-LA) free and nano-capsule (1.2, 2.4 mg/kg) showed a significant depression (67-28%) in MDA levels and elevated (38-98%) in SOD activity. Additionally, A-LA free and nano-capsule caused a 3-10-fold increase in comet parameters such as % tail DNA and suppressed Ehrlich solid tumor growth in mice. In conclusion, the present study revealed that A-LA free and nano-capsule have antitumor activity. This might be possible via its redox activity.