Abstract:
Pharmacological utilization of natural compounds has continued to lead to development of
non-synthetic and Non-toxic anticancer agents that are promising at enhancing the risk of
neoplastic diseases such as leukemia. This study is an attempt to determine the chemopreventive
and antileukemic activities of ethanol extracts of Crithmum maritimum leaves on
benzene induced leukemia bearing mice. Leukemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection
of 0.2 mL benzene solution for 5 days a week for 3 weeks in appropriate mice groups.
Ethanol extract of Crithmum maritimum leaves was administered at 0.2 mL to respective
treatment mice groups. A standard antileukemic drug (cyclophosphamide) at a dose of 0.2ml
after every 48 hours was also used to treat appropriate mice groups. Clinical examination of
liver and spleen with hematological parameters were employed to check the leukemia burden
following analysis of the mice blood samples. Leukemia induction revealed in severe anemia
and a marked leukocytosis over the control group. Liver and spleen enlargements, internal
bleeding and nose bleeding were also observed in groups exposed to benzene carcinogen. The
in vivo antioxidative potential of Crithmum maritimum was valued using reduced glutathione
(GSH) levels. Early and late apoptosis are also measured in prospective groups using flow
Cytometry technique. This study reveals that the extract might be an active, natural and nontoxic
anticancer drug lead.
