Cytotoxic and anti-tumor effects of Bacopa monnieri extract.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Cytotoxic and anti –tumour properties of ethanolic extract of bacopa monnieri (l) penn
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: Cytotoxic and anti –tumour properties of ethanolic extract of bacopa monnieri (l) penn
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Bacopa monnieri (L) Penn, commonly known as Brahmi, is a herb belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family, widely utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for its therapeutic properties. It has been traditionally prescribed for various nervous disorders, including insanity and epilepsy, serving as a brain tonic. Past studies have indicated its potential anti-tumor activity, leading to the exploration of its cytotoxic and anti-tumor effects through in vitro and in vivo testing. This study aims to evaluate the anti-cancer properties of ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri (EEMB) and its implications on tumor proliferation and hematological parameters.
Cytotoxicity and Anti-Tumor Activity of EEMB
The investigation of EEMB revealed significant cytotoxic effects on Dalton’s lymphoma ascites tumor cells (DLA), demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship. Specifically, a concentration of 150 µg/ml resulted in 50% cell death during a three-hour exposure. Additionally, in vivo experiments highlighted the extract's capability to reduce solid tumor volumes in Swiss albino mice after administration of varying doses (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg) post-tumor transplantation. The results indicated that a 200 mg/kg dose given 24 hours after transplantation notably reduced tumor volume, showcasing the extract's effective anti-tumor properties. Additionally, the study reported that EEMB treatment improved altered hematological parameters, restoring them to near-normal levels after tumor transplantation, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue for cancer management.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study highlights the promising cytotoxic and anti-tumor effects of ethanol extracts from Bacopa monnieri. The findings emphasize the potential of EEMB to inhibit tumor growth and restore health parameters impacted by cancer, thereby positioning the extract as a candidate for further research in cancer treatment. As traditional medicines continue to garner interest in the realm of modern therapeutic strategies, Bacopa monnieri exemplifies the intersection of ancient knowledge and contemporary scientific validation, warranting continued exploration of its phytochemical properties and therapeutic applications.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Bacopa Monnieri and its traditional uses in medicine?
Bacopa Monnieri, also known as Brahmi, is an Ayurvedic herb used for treating nervous disorders such as insanity, epilepsy, and as a brain tonic. It belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family and grows in damp areas of India.
What were the findings regarding the anti-tumour properties of Bacopa Monnieri?
The study showed that the ethanolic extract of Bacopa Monnieri inhibited the proliferation of transformed cell lines dose-dependently, demonstrating significant cytotoxicity, with 70% cell death at higher concentrations. Additionally, it reduced solid tumor volume in mice effectively.
How was the ethanolic extract of Bacopa Monnieri prepared for the study?
Fresh whole plants of Bacopa Monnieri were collected, air-dried, and powdered. The powder underwent cold extraction with 50% ethanol over seven days, repeated twice. The concentration was then evaporated to dryness for further studies.
What were the effects of the extract on hematological parameters in mice?
After treatment with the extract, hematological parameters showed alterations typical of tumor bearing, such as increased white blood cell count. However, treatment significantly restored these parameters toward normal levels 14 days post-tumor transplantation.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cytotoxic and anti-tumor effects of Bacopa monnieri extract.”. 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 is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, often leading to the formation of tumors. The study focuses on the anti-tumor properties of Bacopa monnieri extract, which demonstrated a significant cytotoxic effect on transformed cancer cell lines, highlighting its potential as a treatment option.
2) Activity:
In pharmacology, 'activity' refers to the measurable effect a drug or extract has on biological systems. In this study, the term is used to denote the beneficial effects of ethanol extract of Bacopa monnieri, particularly its cytotoxic and anti-tumor activities assessed through experimental models.
3) Brahmi (Brāhmī):
Brahmi is a common name for Bacopa monnieri, an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine known for its cognitive-enhancing effects and potential anti-cancer properties. The study investigates its efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and improving hematological parameters in cancer-affected mice.
4) Amala (Amalā):
Amala refers to the Amala Cancer Research Centre mentioned in the study, where the Dalton’s lymphoma ascites tumor cells used for experimentation were obtained. This institution's collaboration reinforces the importance of cancer research in evaluating traditional medicinal plants like Bacopa monnieri.
5) Blood:
Blood parameters are crucial indicators of overall health and body function. The study assesses the effect of Bacopa monnieri extract on hematological parameters of tumor-bearing mice, finding that it restored altered blood counts, suggesting a supportive role in maintaining health during cancer treatment.
6) Drug:
In the context of this study, 'drug' refers to the ethanolic extract of Bacopa monnieri and its potential therapeutic properties for treating cancer. The research aims to explore the extract's cytotoxicity and its capability to act as a natural alternative or supplement in cancer therapies.
7) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological studies evaluate the effects of substances on biological systems. This study examines the pharmacological properties of Bacopa monnieri, analyzing its cytotoxic and tumor-reducing capabilities that could contribute to developing alternative treatments for cancer, emphasizing its relevance in pharmacology.
8) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed cells refer to those that have undergone a change, often becoming cancerous. The study uses transformed Dalton’s lymphoma ascites tumor cells as a model to assess the anti-cancer effects of Bacopa monnieri extract, demonstrating its ability to inhibit the proliferation of malignant cells.
9) Post:
In this study, 'post' refers to the treatment administered after tumor transplantation. Specifically, it analyzes the effects of Bacopa monnieri extract on tumor growth and the restoration of hematological parameters, showcasing its potential as a post-treatment option in cancer therapy.
10) Curcuma longa:
Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, is another medicinal plant studied for its anti-cancer properties. The mention of Curcuma longa in the references highlights the ongoing research in evaluating various natural compounds, like Bacopa monnieri, for their efficacy against cancerous cells and tumors.
11) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the study of drug action and interaction with biological systems. This research contributes to the field of pharmacology by demonstrating the cytotoxic and anti-tumor effects of Bacopa monnieri extract, providing insights that may lead to new therapeutic approaches in cancer management.
12) Neurasthenia:
Neurasthenia refers to a condition characterized by fatigue and weakness, often attributed to psychological stress. Bacopa monnieri is traditionally used to address such conditions, illustrating its broad medicinal applications beyond cancer, underscoring its importance in herbal medicine and holistic health.
13) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study interprets findings, comparing the effects of Bacopa monnieri extract against transformed cancer cells and its implications for treatment. This section emphasizes the significance of the results in the context of existing literature and future research directions.
14) Sarasvati (Sarasvatī):
Sarasvati is another name for Bacopa monnieri in various Indian languages, reflecting the plant's cultural significance and traditional medicinal uses. This connection underlines the heritage of Ayurvedic practices in addressing various health conditions, including its potential roles in cancer therapy.
15) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the potential harmful effects of substances. This study highlights the importance of developing cancer treatments with minimal toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapeutic agents, as Bacopa monnieri extract demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against tumor cells while restoring hematological health.
16) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses practices and substances used to diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses. The study advocates for the integration of Bacopa monnieri into traditional and modern medical practices, illustrating its potential as a therapeutic agent and a natural remedy in cancer treatment.
17) Turmeric:
Turmeric is highlighted as a notable plant with anticancer properties, similar to Bacopa monnieri. Both plants signify the growing interest in the medicinal value of herbs in cancer therapy, emphasizing the need for further research into natural compounds and their synergistic effects against tumors.
18) Epilepsy:
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by seizures, is one of the conditions Bacopa monnieri is traditionally used to treat. This reinforces the herb's neuroprotective properties, linking its applications in both neurological and oncological contexts, affirming its significance in holistic medicinal approaches.
19) Nirmala (Nirmalā):
Nirmala refers to one of the authors involved in the study. This emphasizes the collaborative efforts in cancer research, showcasing contributions from various individuals in evaluating the therapeutic potentials of herbal compounds like Bacopa monnieri in treating malignancies.
20) Quality:
Quality in this context indicates the standard and effectiveness of the extract used in the study. The research employs analytical reagent-quality chemicals and methods for preparing and testing Bacopa monnieri, ensuring that results are reliable and applicable to future therapeutic developments.
21) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world. This study embodies the scientific approach in examining the effects of Bacopa monnieri on cancer, utilizing empirical evidence to validate its potential medicinal benefits and contributions to modern pharmacology.
22) Bhalla:
Bhalla is another author mentioned in the study, representing the collaborative nature of scientific research. The presence of multiple authors reflects the interdisciplinary effort in investigating Bacopa monnieri's properties, highlighting the importance of teamwork in advancing knowledge in pharmacological studies.
23) Water:
Water is essential as a solvent in biological assays and experiments in this study. It is used for diluting extracts and washing cells, playing a critical role in preparing samples and ensuring accurate results, emphasizing the importance of proper methodology in scientific research.
24) Neem:
Neem, another plant known for its medicinal properties, is often associated with traditional Indian medicine. Mention of Neem alongside Bacopa monnieri underscores the rich heritage of Ayurvedic practices that utilize various herbs, promoting further exploration of their collective health benefits and potential interactions.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Cytotoxic and anti-tumor effects of Bacopa monnieri extract.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Oral administration, Ethanolic extract, Antineoplastic activity, Bacopa monnieri, Anti-tumour properties, Cytotoxicity assay, Haematological parameters, Differential count, Ancient Science of life, Solid tumour model, In vitro assay, Tumour volume.