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Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)
Published on: December 19, 2019
Modulatory influence of Rosemarinus officinalis on DMBA-induced mouse skin tumorigenesis
1Radiation and Cancer Biology Lab, Dept Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302 004 India. garimasancheti@rediffmailcom
Abstract:
The present investigation was undertaken to explore the anti-tumor promoting activity of Rosemarinus officinalis on two-stage skin carcinogenesis, induced by a single topical application of 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and promoted by treatment of croton oil for 15 weeks in Swiss albino mice. Oral administration of Rosemary leaf extract at a dose of 1,000 mg/ kg b. wt. / day at pre, peri and post-initiational phases, was found to be effective in decreasing the tumor incidence (50, 41.7, 58.3%, respectively) in comparison to the control (100%). Furthermore, the cumulative number of papillomas, tumor yield and tumor burden were also found to be reduced in R. officinalis-treated animals. This was associated with significant alteration in liver lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) levels.
Insights
Rosemary leaf extract demonstrated significant anti-tumor promoting activity against skin cancer in mice. It reduced tumor incidence, number, and burden, suggesting therapeutic potential for Rosemarinus officinalis in cancer prevention.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
- Cancer Research
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Skin carcinogenesis is a complex process involving initiation and promotion stages.
- 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and croton oil are established agents for inducing skin tumors in experimental models.
- Natural products are increasingly investigated for their chemopreventive properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the anti-tumor promoting effects of Rosemarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf extract.
- To assess the efficacy of Rosemary extract in a two-stage mouse skin carcinogenesis model.
- To investigate the impact of Rosemary on tumor incidence, multiplicity, and burden.
Main Methods:
- Two-stage skin carcinogenesis was induced in Swiss albino mice using DMBA and croton oil.
- Rosemary leaf extract was administered orally at 1,000 mg/kg/day during pre-, peri-, and post-initiation phases.
- Tumor incidence, cumulative number of papillomas, tumor yield, and tumor burden were quantified.
- Liver lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) levels were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Rosemary extract significantly reduced tumor incidence (50-58.3%) compared to the control (100%).
- A notable decrease in the cumulative number of papillomas, tumor yield, and tumor burden was observed in treated groups.
- Significant alterations in liver lipid peroxidation and glutathione levels were associated with Rosemary treatment.
Conclusions:
- Rosemarinus officinalis exhibits significant anti-tumor promoting activity in a chemically induced mouse skin carcinogenesis model.
- Rosemary extract effectively suppressed tumor development, suggesting its potential as a chemopreventive agent.
- The observed effects may be linked to modulation of oxidative stress markers in the liver.

