Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the in vitro cytotoxicity and antitumor effect of the ethanol extract of colonial ascidian Ecteinascidia venui Meenakshi, 2000 in Swiss albino mice against Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites. The viability of DLA cells to varying concentrations of the extract was assessed. In vivo antitumor activity of the extract at doses of 100,150, 200 and vincristin 80 mg/kg body weight against DLA bearing mice was evaluated. Solid tumor volume, median survival time, percentage increase in life span, packed cell volume, viable, non-viable cell count and haematological parameters were determined by adopting standard procedures. 100 percent cytotoxicity to DLA cells was observed at a concentration of 0.80 mg/ml. Administration of the extract resulted in significant decrease in tumor, packed cell volume, viable cell count and increased non-viable cell count, median survival time, thereby increasing the life span of the tumor bearing mice. Restoration of hematological parameters - Hb, RBC, WBC and differential count to normal levels in extract treated mice was also noted. The results suggest that the ethanol extract of Ecteinascidia venui exhibit significant cytotoxic and antitumor activity in DLA bearing mice comparable to that of the reference standard, vincristin.

Authors and Affiliations