Modulatory Effect of a Unani Formulation (Jawarish amla sada) on Cyclophosphamide-induced Toxicity in Tumour Bearing Mice

Aims: Our aim was to study the modulatory effect of a Unani herbal formulation Jawarish amla sada against cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in tumour bearing mice.
Study Design: Non randomized control study.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi during 2008-10.
Methodology: Study was conducted in Swiss albino mice divided in five groups (n=6). Animals were challenged with Ehrlich’s ascites tumour cells (1x106 cells). Cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg body weight), an alkylating anticancer drug that especially affects humoral immune functions, was injected intraperitoneally in a single dose. The protective effect of Unani drug Jawarish amla sada (250 mg/kg body weight) was studied in tumour bearing animals treated with cyclophosphamide. Immune function assessment test such as plaque forming cell assay (PFC) and biochemical parameters such as activities of antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione were measured in mice.
Results: Jawarish amla sada significantly modulated the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide as compared to the group treated with cyclophosphamide. Jawarish amla sada also protected activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase and significantly restored level of reduced glutathione in liver and kidney of tumour bearing mice exposed to cyclophosphamide. Similar protective effect of Jawarish amla sada was observed against elevated lipid peroxidation in these tissues.
Conclusion: Jawarish amla sada showed potential to provide protection against toxic effects of cyclophosphamide in tumour bearing mice. The mechanism of action of the drug may be attributed to various antioxidants fortified in this herbal Unani formulation, which is used in the traditional system of medicine in Indian subcontinent against several liver ailments.