Plant-derived Tetranortriterpenoid, Methyl Angolensate Activates Apoptosis and Prevents Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Induced Tumorigenesis in Mice

Background: Cancer is a leading health problem throughout the world. For decades, natural plant products have been playing promising roles as anticancer agents.

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the chemotherapeutic potential of methyl angolensate (MA), purified from Soymida febrifuga in mice bearing carcinoma and examines the molecular basis for its anticancer actions.

Study Design: The inhibitory effects of MA treatment on the survival of mice bearing Carcinoma and adverse side effects of MA treatment in mice were analyzed.

Methods: Tumor volume, life span, histopathology, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, estimation of liver enzyme, alkaline phosphatase and metabolites, creatinine and urea.

Results: Oral administration of MA in mice with Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma showed significant inhibition of tumor growth compared to untreated mice. We observed a significant increase in the life span (~4-fold) of tumor bearing animals following treatment with MA. MA affected tumor cell proliferation by activating intrinsic pathway of apoptosis without imparting any side effect on normal cells. MA treatment in mice showed no major side effects.

Conclusion: MA treatment showed significant inhibition of tumor growth by inducing apoptosis as well increased life span of mice, with no adverse side effects to normal cells. Altogether, the present in vivo study provides new insights of MA serving as a cancer chemotherapeutic agent.