Berberis asiatica's anti-tumor effect on Dalton's lymphoma.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti – tumour effect of berberis asiatica roxb. ex. dc. on dalton's lymphoma ascite
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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E.P. Kumar, Allam Ahmed Elshurafa, K. Elango, T. Subburaju, B. Suresh
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti – tumour effect of berberis asiatica roxb. ex. dc. on dalton's lymphoma ascite
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Berberis asiatica Roxb. Ex. DC., belonging to the Berberidaceae family, is a medicinal plant commonly found in the Himalayas. Its roots and stem bark are noted for their use in Ayurvedic medicine, housing several alkaloids, including Berberine and Jatrorrhizine. Previous studies have highlighted the anti-cancer properties of a 50% ethanolic extract (BRE) of the roots. This research investigates the anti-tumour effect of BRE against Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) tumor cells and solid tumors in Swiss albino mice, assessing its impact on the mean survival time (MST) and haematological parameters.
Enhanced Survival and Tumour Reduction
The study showcased a significant enhancement in the mean survival time (MST) of tumor-bearing mice treated with BRE. Mice receiving a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight of BRE experienced an MST of 36 days, compared to 25 days for the control group. The effectiveness of BRE treatment was further supported by its ability to reduce solid tumor volumes considerably, particularly when administered 24 hours post-tumor transplantation. Notably, the maximum reduction in tumor volume was observed in mice treated with 200 mg/kg for ten days. Additionally, the study revealed that BRE could restore altered haematological parameters in DLA-bearing mice, promoting healthier blood profiles following treatment.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that Berberis asiatica root extract exhibits substantial anti-cancer activity against DLA, showing potential for developing into a novel cancer treatment agent. The significant increase in MST and reduction in tumor volume, alongside the restoration of normal haematological profiles, underscores the therapeutic promise of BRE. Further investigation into the active principles of Berberis asiatica is encouraged to fully elucidate its mechanisms and potential applications in cancer chemotherapy.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of the study on Berberis asiatica?
The study examines the anti-tumour effect of ethanolic root extract of Berberis asiatica on Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumour cells in mice, highlighting its potential as a cancer chemotherapy agent.
How was the ethanolic extract of Berberis asiatica prepared?
Fresh roots were dried, ground, and soaked in 50% ethanol for a week. The pooled extracts were then concentrated and evaporated, resulting in the Berberis asiatica root extract (BRE) used in experiments.
What were the main findings regarding survival time and tumour volume?
Mean survival time for control mice was 25 days, while treated mice exhibited a significant increase to 36 days. BRE also notably reduced solid tumour volume in treated groups compared to controls.
What effects did Berberis asiatica have on haematological parameters?
Treatment with BRE restored altered haematological parameters, including white blood cell counts, bringing them closer to normal levels in tumour-bearing mice after 14 days of treatment.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Berberis asiatica's anti-tumor effect on Dalton's lymphoma.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Cancer:
Cancer refers to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation leading to tumor formation. In this context, the effect of Berberis asiatica extract is explored for its potential anti-cancer properties, particularly against Dalton's lymphoma ascites, demonstrating a possible role in cancer therapeutics.
2) Drug:
A drug is a substance used for medical treatment or to alter physiological functions. In this study, Berberis asiatica root extract is evaluated for its effectiveness as a drug with anti-tumor properties, indicating its potential applications in the pharmaceutical sector for cancer treatment.
3) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effects of Berberis asiatica on tumor cells. The study investigates the anti-tumor activity of the ethanolic extract, assessing its power to inhibit tumor growth and prolong survival, which is crucial for evaluating its therapeutic value.
4) Blood:
Blood plays a critical role in the study as the extraction of haematological parameters reveals the physiological effects of the drug on tumor-bearing mice. The alterations in blood cell counts provide insights into the efficacy and potential side effects of Berberis asiatica on cancer-affected organisms.
5) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. The research integrates traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern pharmacological approaches in investigating Berberis asiatica, suggesting a bridge between ancient herbal practices and contemporary medicinal applications.
6) Amala (Amalā):
Amala refers to the Amala Cancer Research Centre, where the Dalton's lymphoma ascites tumor cells were obtained for the study. The collaboration with this research center underlines the importance of specialized institutions in facilitating cancer research and providing essential biological materials for experimentation.
7) Drowsiness:
Drowsiness indicates a potential side effect observed during toxicity assessments of Berberis asiatica. It serves as an indicator of the extract’s pharmacological impact on the central nervous system, highlighting the importance of monitoring adverse effects to determine safe dosage levels in therapeutic applications.
8) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the harmful effects of a substance on an organism. In this study, the acute oral toxicity assessment is crucial for establishing the safety profile of Berberis asiatica root extract, understanding its lethal dose, and determining its potential side effects in therapeutic contexts.
9) Himalaya (Himālaya, Hima-alaya):
Himalaya pertains to the geographical region where Berberis asiatica is commonly found. The plant's native habitat indicates its ecological significance and relationship to traditional medicinal practices rooted in regions rich in biodiversity and indigenous knowledge of herbal remedies.
10) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their interactions with biological systems. This research employs pharmacological principles to evaluate the effectiveness of Berberis asiatica as an anticancer agent, utilizing scientific methods to analyze its biological activities and therapeutic implications.
11) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy involves the use of chemical substances to treat cancer, often involving various drugs. The study explores Berberis asiatica's potential as a chemotherapeutic agent, contributing to the search for natural alternatives or adjuncts to conventional cancer treatments.
12) Discussion:
Discussion in this research context is a section where the authors interpret results, compare findings with existing literature, and explore the implications of Berberis asiatica as an anti-tumor agent. It is a critical component for contextualizing the significance of the study.
13) Quality:
Quality pertains to the purity and efficacy of Berberis asiatica extract used in the study. Ensuring high-quality extract preparation is vital for obtaining reliable results and drawing valid conclusions regarding the potential therapeutic effects of the drug on cancer models.
14) Leprosy:
Leprosy is a long-term infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, traditionally treated with various herbal remedies. The reference to leprosy in the context of Berberis asiatica highlights its historical use in indigenous medicine, reflecting the breadth of its medicinal applications beyond cancer treatment.
15) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experimentation. This study exemplifies the application of scientific methods to evaluate the biological and therapeutic properties of a traditional medicinal plant.
16) Madhya (Mādhya):
Madhya refers to Madhya Pradesh, a region in India. The geographical context may indicate the distribution of Berberis asiatica and its importance in traditional medicine within various Indian states, illustrating the cultural and regional significance of the plant in local healthcare practices.
17) Bitter:
Bitter describes the taste of Berberis asiatica, correlating with its traditional use as a medicinal herb. The bitterness often relates to its pharmacological properties, as many medicinal plants possess bitter compounds that have therapeutic effects, enhancing the understanding of its applications in treating ailments.
18) Water:
Water is a fundamental solvent utilized in the extraction process of herbal remedies. Its presence as a medium in the preparation of the ethanolic extract of Berberis asiatica is essential for ensuring the efficient release of bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects.
19) Ulcer:
Ulcer refers to a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane. The mention of ulcers in connection with Berberis asiatica's therapeutic uses indicates the plant's historic application in treating gastrointestinal ailments, demonstrating its comprehensive role in traditional healing practices.
20) Post:
Post refers to the timeframe after specific interventions or treatments have occurred. In this study, 'post' is used to describe the effects of treatment following tumor transplantation, emphasizing the importance of timing in assessing the efficacy of Berberis asiatica in cancer management.