Anticancer activity of Drosera indica L., on Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) bearing mice

Aim: Drosera species are used as vital components in an Ayurvedic preparation called 'Swarnabhasma' (Golden ash) are used for the treatment of different diseases like bronchial asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, nervous disorders In the present study was carried out to evaluate the antitumor potentials against Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA)-induced tumor. Material and Method: The ethanol and aqueous extract of Drosera indica L., was given orally to mice at the dose of 250, 500 mg/kg body weight for 14 days to DLA bearing mice (4 Groups n=10) and 20mg/kg of 5-Fluorouracil (1 group as standard). Result: Treatment caused significant reduction in body weight, packed cell volume (PCV) and viable tumor cell count when compared to the mice of the DLA control group. Restoration of hematological parameters towards normal was also observed. The dose at 250,500mg/kg of ethanol extracts and 500mg/kg of aqueous extract showed significant (p<0.001) result when compared with 250mg/kg of aqueous extract dose. Conclusion: The results suggest that the ethanol and aqueous extracts of D.indica L., exhibit significant antitumor activity in DLA-bearing mice that is comparable to that of the reference standard, 5-fluorouracil.