Evaluation of anticancer activity of ethanol extract of Leucas aspera flower

Background: Cancer has received a major attention globally due to its high mortality rates. Yet, few successful therapies are available. Plant-based products are gaining momentum in the treatment of most diseases including cancer. Aim: The present study aims to assess the antitumor potential of one of the popularly known weed plants Leucas aspera flower (LAE) extract against Ehrlich ascetic tumor in vitro and in vivo models. Materials and Methods: A preliminary antioxidant assay was carried out to assess the extract showing optimal activity. Based on this, ethanol extract was used for studying the in vitro cytotoxicity by Trypan blue assay. Further, in vivo studies were performed on Ehrlich ascetic carcinoma-induced mice. The parameters assessed were mean survival time (MST) and increase in the lifespan along with hematological and enzyme profiles. Results: The study revealed that optimal activity was observed in the ethanol extract of LAE. Further, antioxidant studies using ferric-reducing antioxidant power and diphenylpicrylhydrazy assays revealed that best radical scavenging potential was exerted by 100 μg/ml of LAE in both the assays. Further, in vitro cytotoxicity showed a concentration-dependent increase in the cytotoxicity up to 200 μg/ml with an IC50 value of 102.14 µg/ml. Further, in vivo studies showed that LAE treatment enhanced the MST of tumor-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner and this enhancement was better in 400 mg/kg body weight. The percent increase in lifespan was 119.65% at same concentration. The reduced blood cells and enzyme levels also reached normal in the treated mice groups with better results in the group treated with 400 mg/kg body weight. Conclusion: The study forms the basis for establishing L. aspera as a plant with potent anticancer activity. Further studies on these lines will pave avenues for preparing an optimal formulation from the plant for therapy against cancer.