Preliminary studies on the phytochemistry and efficacy of extracts of the bark of Spondias mombin l. on induced cancer in rats

Abstract

Preliminary studies on the phytochemistry and efficacy of extracts of the bark of Spondias mombin l. on induced cancer in rats. Ann Biomed Sci 2002;1:100-110. Phytochemistry of Spondias mombin bark, a known anti –tumour plant used traditionally, revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenolic compound and eugenol. The efficacy of the plant material tested on induced cancer in rats showed significant recovery using water extract treatment when compared with alcohol extract treatment. The alcohol extract treatment and the test control conferred no significant recovery on the rats. The test control rats (fed with carcinogenic Cycas revoluta) had reduced food intake, hyperplastic nodules, weight loss, hair loss and reduced agility. Histopathology of tissue sections particularly of colon, liver, heart, small intestine and lungs also showed significant recovery following water extract treatment, compared to alcohol extract. However, observations on kidney and eye sections showed no significant difference (P >0.05). Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and cholesterol levels while serum calcium levels showed no significant differences compared with main control (fed on normal diet). The results generally indicate that water extract of the plant material, S. mombin, is more effective than alcohol extract in controlling cancer.

Keywords: Phytochemistry, Efficacy of Spondias mombin, Cancer, Rats

Annals of Biomedical Science Vol. 1 (2) 2002: pp. 100-110