Chemopreventive Potential of Tribulus terrestris against 7,12- Dimethylbenz (a) anthracene Induced Skin Papillomagenesis in Mice

Abstract

In the present investigation, the chemopreventive potential of aqueous extracts of the root and fruit of Tribulusterrestris (an Ayurvedic medicinal plant) on 7, 12 - dimethylbenz (a) anthracene (DMBA) induced papillomagenesisin male Swiss albino mice was studied. A significant reduction in tumor incidence, tumor burden and cumulativenumber of papillomas was observed, along with a significant increase in average latent period in mice treated orallywith Tribulus terrestris suspension continuously at pre, peri and post-initiation stages of papillomagenesis as comparedto the control group treated with DMBA and croton oil alone. Treatment with Tribulus terrestris suspension by oralgavage for 7 days resulted in a significant increase in the reduced glutathione content in the liver (P<0.001 for bothroot and fruit extracts). Conversely, lipid peroxidation levels were significantly decreased (P<0.001).