Assessment of the Anticancer Activity of Aegle marmelos Leaf Extracts Against Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) Cell Line in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Cancer remains a significant health threat globally, and as a result, the demand for safer and more effective alternatives keeps growing. In this current study, we have assessed the anticancer activity of Aegle marmelos extract on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells on Swiss Albino mice. Three extracts were prepared: a methanolic (APME), chloroform (APCE), and n-hexane (APHE) extract. These extracts were administered intraperitoneally in doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg per dose on 6 consecutive days to mice. The anticancer activity was assessed from viable tumor cell count, with percentage (%) inhibition of cell growth, and changes in body weight of the mice that had been treated with extracts. Of all the extracts, APHE exhibited the most tumor growth inhibition (62.2% at 100 mg/kg), followed by APME (59.25%) and APCE (54.86%), compared to the standard chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (81.6% inhibition at 0.8 mg/kg/day). Mice treated with the extracts experienced less weight loss than the control group, with an approximate effect of 0.50 {+/-} 0.06 g/day. A Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay demonstrated a cytotoxic dose-dependent impact, with LC50 values of 18.38, 36.79, and 46.45 micrograms per milliliter for n-hexane, methanolic, and chloroform extracts, respectively. The tumor suppression and cytotoxicity effects of Aegle marmelos extracts are probably attributable to the bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils that have known apoptotic and antiproliferative activities. The extracts were not as effective as doxorubicin; however, the extracts natural composition and ability to reduce weight loss due to cancer indicate potential to be used in combination with or as an alternative to cancer-treating medications. Further research includes that mechanistic studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm their therapeutic potential.