EFFECT OF ETHANOL EXTRACT CRITHMUM MARTITIMUM LEAVES AGAINST BENZENE-INDUCED LEUKEMIA

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.