Antitumor activity of Parthenium hysterophorus and its effect in the modulation of biotransforming enzymes in transplanted murine leukemia.

The methanolic flower extract of Parthenium hysterophorus has been found to have antitumor effects in host mice bearing transplantable lymphocytic leukemia. The effect was more pronounced in terms of tumor size, tumor spread, and survival of the host. The potentiating effect of the extract was supported by biochemical autopsies relating to markers like glutathione level, cytochrome P-450 content, glutathione transferase, and UDP-glucuronyl transferase in liver tissue of the host cells. These neoplastic markers showed substantial alteration leading to slow development of tumors and increased survival of the host bearing lymphocytic leukemia.