Titre du document / Document title

Free radical scavenging activity of Acacia Catechu and Rotula Aquatica: Implications in cancer therapy

Auteur(s) / Author(s)

PATIL S. ; JOLLY C. I. ; NARAYANAN S. ;

Résumé / Abstract

Oxidative stress has been implicated in numerous pathophysiological conditions including cancer. Conventional medical treatment has its own side effects besides the high cost. A simple but effective way of preventing cancer may be to prevent oxidative damage. In the recent years, several antioxidant phenolic compounds have been recognised to have ability to induce apoptosis in various tumour cells of human origin. By virtue of their antioxidant property, they also prevent cell growth by inhibiting the protiens responsible for cell growth. Ethnobotanical search reveals use of many traditional herbs in treatment of cancer, which are usually free from side effects, are economical and also easily accessible to humans. However, their mechanism of action is not known. The aqueous extracts of Acacia catechu and Rotula aquatica are used in Indian traditional system of medicine for cancer treatment. Qualitative tests of both extracts showed presence of polyphenols. The current study deals with free radical scavenging activity of the above mentioned plants. The objective of the study was to investigate the antioxidant potential of these plants, to understand their beneficial role in cancer therapy. The aqueous extracts of A. catechu and R. aquatica showed a marked antioxidant activity when compared to ascorbic acid. The above studies were also carried out with fractionated extracts of the two drugs using solvents of increasing polarity. This strategic approach further helped to target the phytoconstituents responsible for the antioxidant activity. The study revealed that the polyphenols present in the polar extracts have a stronger antioxidant activity compared to the non-polar phytoconstituents. To conclude, these herbal materials by virtue of their antioxidant might be useful in the treatment of cancer. Further, the above herbs can be used as a protective measure in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, since it has been demonstrated that radiation therapy causes mutations and cancer due to increased production of free radicals. In such cases, the above herbs can be used as a protective measure in cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.

Revue / Journal Title

Indian drugs    ISSN  0019-462X   CODEN INDRBA 

Source / Source

2003, vol. 40, n^o6, pp. 328-332 [5 page(s) (article)]

Langue / Language

Anglais

Editeur / Publisher

Indian Drug Manufacturers' Association, Bombay, INDE  (1963) (Revue)

Localisation / Location

INIST-CNRS, Cote INIST : 19200, 35400011246148.0030