Effects of Pluchea lanceolata Root Extract on Cisplatin induced Nausea and Vomiting in Rat Pica Model

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutics against a wide range of cancers. However, it causes significant nausea and vomiting which limit its usefulness. In the present study, the effects of methanolic root extract of Pluchea lanceolata (DC.) C. B. Clarke , asteraceae ( MPL ) was investigated against cisplatin-induced nausea using a rat pica model. In rat pica model, rats react to cisplatin (emetic/nausea stimuli), with altered feeding habits, manifested by increased consumption of kaolin. The pica in rats was measured to quantify cisplatin-induced nausea, and to evaluate the protective effect of pretreatment with MPL given orally. Cisplatin at 3 mg/kg (i.p.) induced significant pica indicated by reduced food intake and increased kaolin consumption, suggesting the presence of nausea/emesis. Cisplatin-induced pica decreased significantly when animals were pretreated with MPL at doses of 400 mg/kg p.o. ( p < 0.05). MPL pretreatment decreased cisplatin-induced kaolin intake in the rat model of simulated nausea, suggesting that MPL and/or its active constituent(s) may play a therapeutic role as protective against chemotherapy-induced emesis.