Tumoricidal Effect of Gamma Irradiation and Water Extract of Harjal Plant Leaves (Hayne) on Ehrlich Carcinoma in Female Mice

The present study aims to evaluate the antitumor effect of gamma irradiation and hot water extract of harjal (Solenostemma argel) plant leaves on Ehrlich carcinoma (EC) in female mice. The effect of Harjal plant leaves extract (HPE) on Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells and growth of transplantable EC were studied. HPE was administrated orally 3 times per week for 3 weeks to the experimental animals 24 hr and 7 days after EC inoculation at the dose level 15 mg/kg body weight. Experimental animals were exposed to 6 Gy of γ-radiation 7 days after tumor inoculation (ATI). Histopathological examination, apoptotic and necrotic detection in EC tissue were studied. Oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSH levels SOD and CAT activities) for EC tissue were also examined. HPE activates tumor cell death after two weeks. γ-irradiation and HPE either alone or combined significantly decrease tumor size and showed wide zones of apoptotic tumor cells in tumor tissue. γ-irradiation and HPE either alone or combined produced a non significant change in oxidative stress markers of EC tissue. Histopathologically, γ-irradiation and HPE represented large areas of apoptosis, hydropic degeneration and nuclei debris in tumor tissue sections. In conclosion, γ-irradiation and HPE represent antitumor activities either alone or combined