The Effect of Seeds and Fruit Pulp of <i>Adansonia digitata</i> L. (Baobab) on Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma

Abstract

The anti-tumor effect of Adansonia digitata on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EAC) is still novel talk. This study is focusing on the role of the extracts of seeds and the fruit pulp of Adansonia on the antioxidants activity and the molecular changes of pro-apoptic and anti-apoptic genes expression before and after the treatment of EAC cells bearing mice. Adult female BALB/C mice were used in this study; subgrouped randomly into four groups: control group (non-tumorized); EAC tumorized group, mice was i.p. inoculated with 2.5 × 10 6 of EAC cells; EAC+ extract of seeds group, tumorized mice was inoculated with 2.5 × 10 6 of EAC cells and i.p. administered with the extract of Adansonia seeds (300 mg/kg b. wt.); EAC+ fruit pulp group, tumorized mice was inoculated with 2.5 × 10 6 of EAC cells and i.p. administered with the extract of Adansonia fruit pulp (300 mg/kg b. wt.). The antioxidant enzymes were inhibited in EAC cells and in ascetic fluid of tumorized mice. Also the oxidative stress was increased significantly in EAC cells bearing mice. The liver was affected with the transplantation of EAC cells as reflected by the imbalance in the antioxidants and oxidants in the EAC cells bearing mice. Moreover, the molecular changes in p 53 and B-cell lymphoma ( Bcl -2) genes expression were recorded in EAC cells bearing mice. The extracts of adansonia have a promising role as antioxidant action due to their antioxidant effect as they ameliorate the imbalance in antioxidants and oxidants balance. The plant extract has anti-apoptosis role by restoring the P53 and Bcl-2 genes expression. Also the plant has antitumor action as they restore tumor markers levels such as α -l-fucosidase and arginase to the normal levels.