Investigation of In-Vivo Effect of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) In Lung Cancer

Abstract

Due to limitations in the treatment of lung cancer, finding natural compounds from plants can provide an alternative treatment for lung cancer. St. John’s Wort (SJW) has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic properties that can be used in lung cancer treatment. The aim of this study is to explore antitumor effect of SJW in lung cancer in vivo animal model. 35 animals; 7 animals in each group were randomized as control, Doxorubicin, SJW early treatment, SJW treatment, and doxorubicin+SJW groups. After 7 days sacrification was performed. Tumor diameter did not show statistically significant change but in all four-group compared with control group; tumor tissue showed prominent necrosis and apoptosis. No histologic changes observed in other tissues. Biochemistry did not show organ insufficiency. SJW is shown to have antitumoral effect in subcutaneous xenograft lung cancer in vivo model in nude mice. Dose was obtained comparing with DOX. In combination with DOX, there were no synergistic increase in anti-tumo effect. SJW might be a candidate antineoplastic supplementation in lung cancer.