CHEMOPREVENTIVE POTENTIAL OF CELASTRUS PANICULATUS SEEDS EXTRACT IN DMDA/CROTON OIL INDUCED SKIN CANCER IN SWISS ALBINO MICE

Abstract

Aims and Objective: The present study was designed to assess the chemo preventive potential of Celastrus paniculatus seeds against DMBA followed by croton oil–induced skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice. The objective is to assess the effect of C. paniculatus seed extract on tumor burden, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological alterations in skin tissue in DMBA/croton oil induced skin cancer. Materials and Methods: Forty-six female mice were divided into six groups: Normal control, Disease control, Standard (5-FU), and 3-test groups receiving C. paniculatus extract orally (200 and 400 mg/kg) and in combination (400 mg/kg oral + topical). Skin cancer was induced using a single topical DMBA application followed by repeated Croton oil application (weekly thrice, 100µL w/v in acetone)). Treatment lasted 4 weeks. Parameters assessed included tumor incidence, yield, size, average latent period, Hematological subsets, oxidative stress markers (LPO, CAT), inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and histopathology. Results: The disease control group (DMBA + Croton oil application) showed 100% tumor incidence, high tumor yield, large papillomas (>8 mm), elevated LPO, reduced CAT, and increased TNF-α and IL-6 levels. The treatment groups were shown promising results in contrast to the respective control groups. The oral + topical 400 mg/kg group showed the most pronounced protection, with tumor incidence reduced to 13.4%, tumor yield 0.33/mouse, smallest papillomas (<2 mm), near to normal skin in histological assessments, restored CAT, reduced LPO levels, and normalized systemic inflammatory marker levels. Conclusion: C. paniculatus methanolic seed extract demonstrated strong dose and route-dependent chemopreventive effects, with oral + topical 400 mg/kg showing the most promising effects, suggesting potential as well as a safer alternative adjuvant therapy along with the standard care in skin cancer prevention.