Effect of Withania somnifera on 20-methylcholanthrene induced fibrosarcoma

Administration of an extract from the root of the plant Withania somnifera (20mg/dose/animal i.p) was found to inhibit the 20-methylcholanthrene induc ed sarcoma development in mice and increase the life span of tumour bearing animals. Administration of Withania could inhibit the lipid peroxide forma tion (152 nanomoles/mg protein) (P<0.01) compared with control (198 nanomol es/mg protein). Withania could increase the GSH level (7.7 mu moles/mg prot ein) which was lowered in control tumour bearing animals (3.96 mu moles/mg protein). GST level was also significantly increased (451 mu moles/min/mg p rotein) (P<0.001) in Withania treated animals compared to control animals ( 205 mu moles/min/ mg protein). All the animals in the control group develop ed sarcoma by the 80th day of carcinogen administration. Only 3 animals in the Withania treated group developed sarcoma by the 105th day. In control a nimals the survival rate was 40% but in the Withania treated group the surv ival rate was 100% after 15 weeks of carcinogen treatment. These results in dicate that Withania could inhibit 20-methylcholanthrene induced sarcoma de velopment in mice.