Phytochemical evaluation and anticancer screening of rhizomes of Kaempferia galanga linn.

Abstract

AIM: To study the phytochemical evaluation and anticancer screening of rhizomes of kaempferia galanga. METHODS: The phytochemical studies were performed as described by Wagner et al 1984. Anti cancer activity of ethanol extract (100, 200 mg/ kg) of Kaempferia galanga rhizome was evaluated against enrich ascites carcinoma tumor bearing mice. Acute toxicity studies were performed initially in order to determine the safety of ethanol extract of Kaempferia galanga (EEKG). After 24hrs of tumor inoculation the extract was administered daily for 14 days. After the last dose followed by 18 hrs fasting mice were sacrificed for observation of anti tumor activity. The effect of EEKG on tumor growth response, mean survival time, solid tumor volume, packed cell volume, hematological parameters and liver biochemical parameters were estimated. RESULT: The EEKG showed decrease in tumor volume, packed cell volume, viable cell volume, and increased the non-viable cell count and mean survival time. Treatment with EEKG decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation and protein count and increased level of anti oxidant enzyme catalyses. CONCLUSION: The ethanol extract of Kaempferia galanga rhizome exhibited antitumor effect by modulating lipid peroxidation and augmenting anti oxidant defense system in EAC bearing mice.