Mussaenda macrophylla Wall. exhibit anticancer activity against Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) bearing mice via alterations of redox-homeostasis and apoptotic genes expression

Abstract

Abstract Background Mussaenda macrophylla is a shrub widely used in Mizo traditional practice for treatment of cancer, fever, cough, ulcer and dysentery. We have previously shown the antioxidant nature of the plant. In this study, we explore the anticancer activity of the aqueous extract of M. macrophylla (MMAE) using Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) bearing mice as our model. Results MMAE significantly inhibited the tumor growth and increased the survival time of the tumor bearing DLA mice. MMAE significantly increased the glutathione (GSH) levels; and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Consistently, MMAE decreased lipid peroxidation levels in DLA mice. Reduced RBC and hemoglobin levels were significantly reversed by MMAE treatment. MMAE also lowers the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatinine (CRE) levels that were otherwise elevated in the DLA control animals. Induction of DNA damage, up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic genes in DLA bearing mice following MMAE treatment provide an insight into apoptosis based anticancer activities of M. macrophylla. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate the role of the aqueous extract of M. macrophylla as a potential anticancer agent possibly targeting the apoptotic pathway. Graphical Abstract