Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Effects of Shemamruthaa, a Herbal Preparation, in 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)Anthracene-Induced Breast Cancer Rats

The Autophagy-Inducing Mechanisms of Vitexin, Cinobufacini, and Physalis alkekengi Hydroalcoholic Extract against Breast Cancer in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVES

Owing to inefficiency of chemotherapy towards cancer treatment, formulation and application of herbal drug compounds will open new avenues with this regard. In this study, the anticancer effects of itexin, cinobufacini, and Physalis alkekengi (P. alkekengi) were assessed.

METHODS

Herein, synergistic effects of vitexin, cinobufacini, and P. alkekengi hydroalcoholic extract were assessed against estrogen-receptor (EGFR2)-positive breast cancer mouse model. Sixty ER + breast cancer BALB/c mice (six groups each including ten members) were included. The anticancer effects of P. alkekengi hydroalcoholic extract, vitexin, and cinobufacini were administered against EGFR2 cancerous cells for 14 days. The tumor size, cytotoxic effects, and expression of Beclin-1, LC3-II, and ATG5 autophagy-related genes were investigated using RT-qPCR technique. The data was analyzed using chi-square, ANOVA, and multinomial logistic regression tests.

KEY FINDINGS

The 50% lethal dose (LD50) of P. alkekengi and vitexin against the breast cancer cells included 12 mg/kg, respectively, while cinobufacini LD50 was 24 mg/kg but had no toxicity against CRL7242 breast normal cells. Furthermore, 24 mg/kg of the P. alkekengi, vitexin, and cinobufacini significantly increased the ATG5, Beclin-1, and LC3-II gene expression.

CONCLUSION

Considering anticancer effects of P. alkekengi, vitexin, and cinobufacini against breast cancer through induction of the autophagy pathway, the compound formulations can be applied as anticancer therapies.

Shemamruthaa, a Herbal Formulation Induces Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells and Inhibits Tumor Progression in Rats

Phytochemicals present in plants are more effective than their individual constituents in preventing cancer through synergetic effects. From this perspective, Shemamruthaa, a herbal formulation was evaluated with a view to potentiate more intense anticancer property. This study investigates the anticancer activity of Shemamruthaa in breast cancer (MDA-MB 231) cell lines and its cancer therapeutic potential in 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene induced breast cancer rats. Results of MTT, trypan blue, and apoptotic marker assays suggested that Shemamruthaa can induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Oral administration of Shemamruthaa effectively suppressed the tumor progression as evidenced by decrease in tumor volume and modulation of oxidant-antioxidant status and resulted in extended life span. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of Shemamruthaa revealed the presence of pyrogallol, 5-hydrxoymethylfurfural, trilinolein, and flavonoids. Finally, we show that Shemamruthaa contains potential anticancer agents acting either singly or in combination against breast cancer cell proliferation.