Chemopreventive Action of Syzygium cumini on DMBA-induced Skin Papillomagenesis in Mice

Syzygium cumini L. is widely used for the treatment of diabetes in various parts of India. The protectiveefficacy of S. cumini seed extract (SCE) against peroxidative damage contributing to skin carcinogenesis inSwiss albino mice was tested in the present study. A single topical application of 7,12-dimethyl benz(a)anthracene(100μg/100μl acetone), followed 2 weeks later by repeated application of croton oil (1% in acetone three times aweek) and continued till the end of the experiment (i.e., 16 weeks) caused a 100% tumor incidence. In contrast,mice treated with the SCE (125 mg/ kg/ b.wt./ animal / day)in either the peri (i.e. 7 days before & 7 days after theapplication of DMBA) or post-initiational (i.e. from the day of start of croton oil treatment & continued till theend of the experiment) phases demonstrated significant reduction in cumulative numbers of papillomas andtumor incidence (75%). The average latency period in the SCE treated group was also significantly increased(Pre Group – 11.1 weeks; Post Group – 10.9 weeks) as compared with the carcinogen control group (7.9). Resultsfrom the present study indicate that the anticarcinogenic activity of SCE during DMBA-induced skinpapillomagenesis is mediated through alteration of antioxidant status. Thus, SCE can be considered as a readilyaccessible, promising novel cancer chemopreventive agent.