Modulatory influence of Rosemarinus officinalis on DMBA-induced mouse skin tumorigenesis

Garima Sancheti1, Pk Goyal

  • 1Radiation and Cancer Biology Lab, Dept Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, 302 004 India. garimasancheti@rediffmailcom

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.

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