Strobilanthes crispus bioactive subfraction inhibits tumor progression and improves hematological and morphological parameters in mouse mammary carcinoma model

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Locally known as 'pecah batu', 'bayam karang', 'keci beling' or 'batu jin', the Malaysian medicinal herb, Strobilanthes crispus (S. crispus), is traditionally used by the local communities as alternative or adjuvant remedy for cancer and other ailments and to boost the immune system. S. crispus has demonstrated multiple anticancer therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo. A pharmacologically active fraction of S. crispus has been identified and termed as F3. Major constituents profiled in F3 include lutein and beta-sitosterol. Aim of the study: In this study, the effects of F3, lutein and beta-sitosterol on tumor development and metastasis were investigated in 4T1-induced mouse mammary carcinoma model. Materials and methods: Tumor-bearing mice were fed with F3 (100 mg/kg/day), lutein (50 mg/kg/day) and beta-sitosterol (50 mg/kg/day) for 30 days (n = 5 each group). Tumor physical growth parameters, animal body weight and development of secondary tumors were investigated. The safety profile of F3 was assessed using hematological and histomorphological changes on the major organs in normal control mice (NM). Results: Our findings revealed significant reduction of physical tumor growth parameters in all tumor-bearing mice treated with F3 (TM-F3), lutein (TM-L) or beta-sitosterol (TM-beta) as compared with the untreated group (TM). Statistically significant reduction in body weight was observed in TM compared to the NM or treated (TM-F3, TM-L and TM-beta) groups. Histomorphological examination of tissue sections from the F3-treated group showed normal features of the vital organs (i.e., liver, kidneys, lungs and spleen) which were similar to those of NM. Administration of F3 to NM mice (NM-F3) did not cause significant changes in full blood count values. Conclusion: F3 significantly reduced the total tumor burden and prevented secondary tumor development in metastatic breast cancer without significant toxicities in 4T1-induced mouse mammary carcinoma model. The current study provides further support for therapeutic development of F3 with further pharmacokinetics studies.