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Chemopreventive activity of Ocimum sanctum seed oil
1Department of Pharmacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
Abstract:
The seed oil of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated for chemopreventive activity against subcutaneously injected 20-methylcholanthrene induced-fibrosarcoma tumors in the thigh region of Swiss albino mice. Supplementation of maximal tolerated dose (100 microl/kg body weight) of the oil significantly reduced 20-methylcholanthrene induced tumor incidence and tumor volume. The enhanced survival rate and delay in tumor incidence was observed in seed oil supplemented mice. Liver enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase), non-enzymatic antioxidants (reduced glutathione) and lipid peroxidation end product, malondialdehyde levels were significantly modulated with oil treatment as compared to untreated 20-methylcholanthrene injected mice. The results of this study suggest that the potential chemopreventive activity of the oil is partly attributable to its antioxidant properties. The chemopreventive efficacy of 100 microl/kg seed oil was comparable to that of 80 mg/kg of vitamin E.
Insights
Ocimum sanctum seed oil shows chemopreventive effects against fibrosarcoma tumors in mice. The oil reduced tumor growth and improved survival, likely due to its antioxidant properties.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- 20-methylcholanthrene is a potent carcinogen used to induce fibrosarcoma tumors.
- Natural products are increasingly investigated for cancer chemoprevention.
- Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) seed oil possesses various bioactive compounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the chemopreventive potential of Ocimum sanctum seed oil against chemically induced fibrosarcoma.
- To investigate the underlying antioxidant mechanisms of the seed oil's activity.
Main Methods:
- Swiss albino mice were injected with 20-methylcholanthrene to induce subcutaneous fibrosarcoma.
- Mice were supplemented with Ocimum sanctum seed oil (100 microl/kg body weight).
- Tumor incidence, volume, survival rates, and antioxidant markers (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Ocimum sanctum seed oil significantly reduced tumor incidence and volume.
- Supplementation led to enhanced survival rates and delayed tumor onset.
- Oil treatment modulated liver antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase) and reduced glutathione levels, while decreasing malondialdehyde.
Conclusions:
- Ocimum sanctum seed oil exhibits significant chemopreventive activity against 20-methylcholanthrene-induced fibrosarcoma.
- The antioxidant properties of the seed oil contribute to its chemopreventive efficacy.
- The efficacy of Ocimum sanctum seed oil was comparable to Vitamin E at the tested doses.