Anti-tumor activity of the ethyl acetate fraction from Asparagus cochinchinensis in HepG2-xenografted nude mice

Although Asparagus cochinchinensis Merrill (Liliaceae) has traditionally been used for cancer treatment, its in vivo antitumor efficacy has not been established. Anti-tumor effect of the ethyl acetate fraction of A. cochinchinensis extract (EAF-ACE) was evaluated in nude mice xenografted with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Serum biomarkers were also examined to monitor the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of EAF-ACE. HepG2-xenografted nude mice were randomly divided into untreated group, EAF-ACE-treated groups (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg), and positive control group (3 mg/kg cisplatin). All groups were assayed for tumor mass formation, apoptosis induction, and serum biomarkers. EAF-ACE treatment significantly reduced tumor growth. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay revealed EAF-ACE treatment significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in tumors in a dosedependent manner, whereas cisplatin treatment significantly decreased tumor volumes and increased the number of apoptotic cells, and exhibited hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, in contrast to EAF-ACE treatment. EAF-ACE was found to possess antitumor activities without associated hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Therefore, EAF-ACE may be effectively used as a chemopreventive agent.