Anti-cancerous Effect of Ocimum sanctum Against DMBA Induced Breast Cancer in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Worldwide, the prevalence of breast cancer has increased significantly in recent years. There is a higher mortality rate among female cancer patients globally compared to male ones. Despite the development of better medical care and the discovery of several new medications, it is still linked to a high death rate. The many therapeutic uses of Ocimum sanctum (L.) have led to its widespread usage in the ancient Indian medical system known as Ayurveda. The Indian subcontinent is home to this shrub more than any other. Having said that, data on its anticancer effects is scant. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to investigate if Ocimum sanctum leaf extract had any anticancer effects on mice that had been experimentally induced with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) for breast cancer. The research used female Swiss Albino mice that were 20 mg/mL induced DMBA dissolved in olive oil and had an average weight of 150±10 g. The mice were 55 - 60 days old. Mice were given an oral dose of Ocimum sanctum ethanolic leaf extract (100 mg/kg b.w./day) when breast tumors had grown to a size of around 0.3 cm. Following this, the tumor volume was determined. There was a substantial decrease 47% in breast tumor volume (p< 0.05) and a drop in many serum biomarkers, including TNF- α level and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, (p< 0.0001) after Ocimum sanctum administration. Following therapy with the ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum, there was a notable (p<0.0001) enhancement in the kidney and liver serum biomarker values.

All things considered, the results of the research suggest that the ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum has anti-cancer properties since it inhibits the growth of breast tumours in the mouse model. Additionally, the plant extract has a protective impact on the liver and kidneys. So, it may be used as a new, safe anti-cancer medication specifically for breast cancer.