Anti tumor activity of mercaptopurine in combination with trikatu and gomutra on 20-Methylcholantrene induced Carcinogenesis

Cancer is one of the most life threatening diseases and serious health problem in both developing and developed countries. Many synthetic and chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer therapy are having low bioavailability and involve the risk of life threatening host toxicity. Modern researchers are increasingly showing interest toward the improvement of bioavailability of a large number of drugs by addition of various herbs with bioenhancing properties. In oral drug delivery system, the co-administration of therapeutic agents with natural compounds possessing absorption improving activities, has also garnered great interest. Hence the present study was conducted to evaluate the anti-tumor activity of Mercaptopurine in combination with Trikatu and Gomutra. 20-Methylcholanthrene a Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was used to induce tumor in albino mice. Haematological and endogenous antioxidant parameters were evaluated in the study. Individual treatment with Mercaptopurine (5mg/kg) and trikatu (100mg/kg) significantly restored the altered haematological and antioxidant parameters to normal values. Even Mercaptopurine (2.5mg/kg) at its sub therapeutic dose showed equivalent effects as that of therapeutic dose of Mercaptopurine (5mg/kg) when it was co administered along with trikatu compared to the positive tumor control group.