Antitumor and in vivo antioxidant activity of 24-nor-olean-3-one-28-oic acid isolated from the roots of momordica cymbalaria (hook. F.) fenzl ex naudin in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma transplanted mice

Momordica cymbalaria Fenzl ex Naudin, distributed across South and Central India, is traditionally used for diabetes and hyperlipidaemia and shows notable antibacterial activity. Its hairy roots are rich in steroidal and triterpenoid saponins. In this study, 24-nor-olean-3-one-28-oic acid (NOA), a nor-oleanane triterpenoid, was isolated for the first time from the petroleum ether extract of M. cymbalaria roots and structurally confirmed through spectroscopic analyses. The antitumor potential of NOA was assessed in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice. NOA significantly and dose-dependently reduced tumour volume, packed cell volume, viable cell count, and tumour-associated weight gain (p < 0.001). Survival increased markedly, reaching 44.5 ± 0.32 days at 2.5 mg/kg and 49.0 ± 0.42 days at 5 mg/kg, exceeding the effect of 5-fluorouracil. NOA also normalised EAC-induced hematological disturbances and improved antioxidant status by lowering hepatic MDA and restoring GSH, SOD, and CAT levels, indicating strong anticancer potential.