The aim of the present study is to evaluate the antitumor effect and antioxidant role of
Mucuna pruriens
(Family: Fabaceae) against EAC bearing Swiss albino mice. The effect of methanol extract of
Mucuna pruriens (MEMP) on tumor growth and host's survival time was studied by the following parameters: tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable and non-viable cell count and life span of the host. MEMP was administered at a 125 and 250mg/kg b.w. once a day for 14 days, after 24 h of tumor inoculation. Decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume, and viable cell count were observed in MEMP treated animals when compared to EAC treated animals. Treatment with MEMP at a dose of 125 and 250mg/kg increased the mean survival time to 29.5 ± 0.55 and 34 ± 0.2 days respectively. The extract also decreased the body weight of the EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological studies reveal that the Hb content was decreased in EAC treated mouse, whereas restoration to near normal levels was observed in extract treated animals. There was a significant decrease in RBC count and increase in WBC counts in extract treated animals when compared to EAC treated animals. The study was also extended to estimate the liver biochemical parameters such as LPO, GSH, and antioxidant enzymes like SOD, CAT etc. Treatment with MEMP decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The results suggest that the methanol extract of
Mucuna pruriens seeds exhibits significant antitumor and antioxidant effects in EAC bearing mice.
