Effect of Sobatum on tumour development and chemically induced carcinogenesis.

The partially purified component of Solanum trilobatum named Sobatum was obtained from the petroleum ether/ethyl acetate (75:25) extractable portion. It was found to be cytotoxic in Dalton's Lymphoma ascites (DLA), Ehrlich ascites (EA) cell lines and tissue culture cells (L929 and Vero). Sobatum significantly inhibited peritoneal tumours induced by DLA and EA tumour cells. Sobatum was also found to reduce solid tumour growth in mice, when given either simultaneously or prophylactically, and is more active in simultaneous administration (EA). It was found that Sobatum was more active against EA cells-induced solid tumour than DLA-induced solid tumours. On exposure to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA), about 85.67% animals had induced skin carcinogenesis, which was significantly inhibited to 44.4% by the application of Sobatum. It can be concluded that the Sobatum has the ability to retard the development of solid tumours and DMBA-induced carcinogenesis.