Ethanol extract of black shallot (Allium ascalonicum Linnaeus) for breast cancer prevention: evidence from a DMBA-induced mouse model

Abstract

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, posing challenges in treatment due to high costs, numerous side effects, and systemic toxicity. Consequently, many patients seek natural compounds with low toxicity and potential anticancer and pain-relief properties. The ethanol extract of black shallot (EEBS) from Allium ascalonicum Linnaeus has shown promise due to its antioxidant properties and ability to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. This study investigates the effect of EEBS on breast cancer prevention in a DMBA-induced mammary tumor model in mice. EEBS was administered at doses of 300 to 500 mg/kg body weight (BW), with tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg BW) serving as a standard reference drug. DMBA-treated mice were confirmed to develop mammary tumors (p < 0.05). In contrast, mice dosed with EEBS exhibited slower tumor progression (p < 0.05), indicating the extract’s promising therapeutic potential. EEBS significantly reduced tumor volumes, incidence rates, and TNF-α levels (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, achieving a maximum reduction in tumor volume of 65.8% and a minimum incidence rate of 24 ± 5.48% at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Treatment with EEBS also considerably improved hematological parameters (WBC, LYM, RBC, HGB, HCT, and PLT) and reduced hepatic and renal function indicators (AST, ALT, ALP, GLU, BIL, URE, CRE, URA) (p < 0.05), reflecting its protective effects on liver and kidney functions. Histopathological examination further confirmed the efficacy of EEBS in inhibiting tumor progression. Importantly, no mortality was observed, highlighting the safety of the experimental treatments. These findings suggest that black shallot extract could be a potential therapeutic agent for breast cancer prevention and for mitigating DMBA-induced toxicity.