Evaluation of in VITRO and in VIVO Anticancer Activity of Wedelia Chinesis and Wedelia Calendulacea

Abstract

The present study confirmed that the ethanolic extract of Wedelia calendulacea and Wedelia chinesis exhibited antitumor and antioxidant activities against DAL and EAC in Swiss albino mice. When compared to the lower dose of the ethanolic extract, higher doses showed highly significant effects. The antitumor effects of ethanolic extract of Wedelia calendulacea and Wedelia chinesis are due to existence of phytochemical constituents with well known activity of free radical quenching activity. These externally administered antioxidants support the internal antioxidant system which fight against generated reactive oxygen species in diseased condition and maintain the balance between oxidants and antioxidant enzyme system in body. These antioxidant enzymes, attain huge importance by high merit of their significant role in disease prevention. The possible mechanism of antitumor effect may be due to stimulation of apoptotic pathway mediated through caspase-3 and hence associated with antioxidant effect. For discovery of a potent anticancer drug with high therapeutic index (TI) it is required to assess the antioxidant status which helps to improve the efficacy and clinical outcome of treatment.