Antitumor and Cytotoxic Activities of Methanol Extract of Indigofera linnaei Ali.

Abstract

Methanol extract of Indigofera linnaei (MEIL) was investigated for antitumor, cytotoxic and antioxidantactivities against transplantable tumors and human cancer cell lines. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in HeLa,Hep-2, HepG-2, MCF-7, HT-29, Vero and NIH 3T3 cells by MTT assay and in vivo antitumor activity with Ehrlichascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton’s ascites lymphoma (DLA) tumor-bearing mice. Activity was measuredby monitoring the mean survival time, effect on hematological parameters, antioxidant enzyme levels and solidtumor volume. The extract exhibited strong in vitro cytotoxicity against all the tested cancer cell lines, but itwas found to be safe with normal cells. MEIL at the dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, significantly increase the meansurvival time (P<0.001), exerted a protective effect on the hemopoietic system, demonstrated in vivo antioxidantactivity and significantly reduce solid tumor volume (P<0.01). These results show a significant antitumor andcytotoxic effect of MEIL against EAC, DLA and human cancer cell lines and support the ethnomedical use ofIndigofera linnaei.