Abstract
The chemopreventive effect of Lantana camara. L. (Verbenaceae) methanol leaf extract (LCLE) on 7,12-dimethylbenz[a.]anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin cancer was investigated in Swiss albino mice. The skin lesions were induced by the twice-weekly topical application of DMBA (100 nmol/100 µL acetone) for 8 weeks on the shaved backs of mice. LCLE was administered at the maximal tolerated dose of 400 mg/kg twice a week, 1 week before DMBA application, and continued for 20 weeks thereafter. The results of the study revealed a significant decrease in incidence of skin papillomas in mice, slight weight gain in mice, and reduced death rate in comparison with DMBA alone at the end of 20 weeks. These results were supported by histopathologic studies. The skin section of LCLE-treated mice showed hyperplastic papillomatous lesions without the evidence of infiltration or cytological atypia. From the current study, it can be inferred that LCLE possesses potential chemopreventive activity in this experimental model of cancer.