Objectives: To investigate the chemopreventive potential and antilipidperoxidative effects of ethanolic root extract of
Tephrosia purpurea
(Linn.) Pers. (TpEt) on 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)- induced hamster buccal pouch carcinoma.
Materials and Methods: Oral squamous cell carcinoma was developed in the buccal pouch of Syrian golden hamsters, by painting with 0.5% DMBA in liquid paraffin, thrice a week, for 14 weeks. The tumor incidence, volume and burden were determined. Oral administration of TpEt at a dose of 300 mg/kg, b.w., to DMBA (on alternate days for 14 weeks)- painted animals significantly prevented the incidence, volume and burden of the tumor.
Results: TpEt showed potent antilipidperoxidative effect, as well as enhanced the antioxidant status in DMBA- painted animals.
Conclusion: TpEt has potent chemopreventive efficacy and significant antilipidperoxidative effect, in DMBA-induced oral carcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the bioactive principle.
