Anti-tumor activity of citrus microcarpa B. (calamansi) on human colon adenocarcinoma tumors xenografted in immunosupressed mice

• Main Authors: Ples, Michael B., Santos, Michael
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2008
• Subjects: Citrus—Therapeutic use; Antineoplastic agents; Xenografts; Colon (Anatomy)—Cancer—Treatment; Cancer Biology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/12830
• Institution: De La Salle University

The antitumor activity of C. microcarpa B. on HT29 human colon adenocarcinoma tumors xenografted in immunosuppressed mice was determined. C. microcarpa B. is a member of the citrus family which has claims to have potential antitumor property. This study could provide a valuable yet inexpensive alternative treatment for cancer. Cyclosporine-induced immunosuppressed mice were injected subcutaneously with 106 HT29 cells in the posterior dorsal area to induce tumor growth. Tumors were grown for 9 days and the mice were then treated with C. microcarpa B. (dosages of 160 and 630 mg/kg body weight) and NSS intraperitoneally. Tumor volume was measured once daily using a vernier caliper to assess the change in tumor volume. After 72 hours, the tumors were excised and submitted for histopathological analysis to evaluate the ratio of necrotic area to viable cancer cells in the tumors. Treatment of C. microcarpa B. with dosage of 630 mg/kg produced a significant decrease of tumor volume. The greatest decrease in tumor volume was observed 48 and 72 hours post-treatment. Histopathological analysis showed considerable area of necrosis against viable tumor cells in the treatment of C. microcarpa B. with dosage of 630 mg/kg.