In vivo Anticancer Efficacy of Cinnamomum tamala Leaf Extract in Ehrlich’s Carcinoma-Bearing BALB/c Mice

BACKGROUND: The plant Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & C.H. Ebern. (Family: Lauraceae) is commonly known as 'tejpaat' in India, has leaves and bark reported to possess anticancer, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and diuretic activities. The objective of the present study was to explore the antitumor potential of the chloroform extract of Cinnamomum tamala leaves (CTCE) in BALB/c mice against Ehrlich's Carcinoma (EC). METHODS: Based on preliminary in-vitro cytotoxicity studies, CTCE was selected for an in-vivo antitumor study. Anticancer activity of CTCE was evaluated in BALB/c mice against EC at the doses of 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg body weight. CTCE was administered for 15 consecutive days after induction of the tumor. After 24 hours from the last administered dose and 18 hours of fasting, half of the mice were sacrificed, while the other half was kept alive to evaluate any potential for increasing the lifespan. The antitumor effect of CTCE was assessed by evaluating tumor volume, hematological parameters, and the life span of the EC-bearing host. RESULTS: CTCE showed a significant decrease (p