Protective and therapeutic efficacy of pomegranate extracts in combination with 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) on S-180 ascitic tumour cells

Abstract

Pomegranate (PG), an edible fruit, is used for medicinal purposes. Pomegranate extracts (PGEs) exhibit antiproliferative and antineoplastic activities. Our earlier studies showed that, aqueous extracts of PG inhibit the rate of cell proliferation in tumour cells with steady decrease of mitotic index and sperm head abnormality. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an antineoplastic and antiangiogenic agent has been widely used in preclinical research for cancer therapy. Given the importance of PGE, our studies have been extended to evaluate the anticancer and apoptotic activity of PGE and 2-ME in combination on Sarcoma-180 ascitic tumour bearing mice. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined effect of PGE and 2-ME on in vivo Sarcoma-180 tumour bearing mice, we have undertaken different tests to measure growth potentialities of the tumour. Our results revealed that combined effects of PGE and 2-ME significantly reduce the cell population of the tumour and elevation of the life span of the host with less toxic side effects.