Evaluation of In vivo Anticancer Activity of Scaevola taccada Roxb against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the anticancer property of ethanol extract of Scaevola taccada leaves against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: The leaves powder was subjected to continuous hot extraction using ethanol and cold maceration by water to get Ethanol and Aqueous extracts, respectively. Identification of the chemical constituents of plant extract was determined by standard procedures. The in vivo anticancer study was determined in mice using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell line. In vivo cytotoxic effect of the extract was assessed by monitoring the mean survival time, effect on hematological parameters, cell count, tumor weight and status of antioxidant enzymes such as lipid peroxidase, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Results: In phytochemical screening, the crude extract revealed the presence of different chemical groups like alkaloids, saponins, steroids, flavonoids and glycosides. The extract showed a significant increase in the life span and a decrease in cancer cell number, tumor weight and tumor volume. The protective effect of the extract on the hemopoietic system at the dose level 200 and 400 mg/kg were noted. The extract effectively suppressed the elevated levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The extract prevented lipid peroxidation and restored the antioxidant enzymes. Conclusion: From the result it can be found that the ethanol extract of scaevola taccada Roxb showed significant (p<0.001) in vivo cytotoxic effect when compared to the tumor control group.