Radioprotective, antioxidant and antitumor efficacy of Annona muricata L. leaf extract

Ionizing radiation is known to induce oxidative stress, which can damage critical cellular macromolecules and/or modulate gene expression pathways. This study investigated the effect of Annona muricata L.(AM) leaf extract against whole body gamma-irradiation induced oxidative damage in the lung and kidney tissues and determined the antitumor activity of AM using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice and different tumor cell line. Administration of AM (100 mg/kg, by tube) prior to irradiation (6 Gy) significantly attenuated serum lipid profiles, decreased malondialdehyde and total nitrate/nitrite levels, DNA fragmentation and significantly increased caspase-3 and superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione content and expression of glutathione peroxidase in the lung and kidney tissues compared with irradiated group. AM interestingly increased survival rate and decreased tumor volume of EAC-bearing mice more than the irradiated group. It was found to be selectively cytotoxic in vitro to tumor cell lines (PC3, MCF7, HELA, H1299 and A549). In conclusion, AM extract exhibits potential antitumor activity and attenuates radiation-induced toxicity by preventing oxidative stress and preserving the antioxidant activities.