Effects of Lolvent Fractions of Some Anti-Carcinogenic Plants on the Alkylating Activity of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate

Abstract

Anti-alkylating substances which are present in some medicinal plants are associated with anti-carcinogenicity. The anti-carcinogenic properties of samples of these substances were investigated by solvent extraction using more than one solvent and by successive extraction of plant parts in order to obtain fractions which were tested for their effects on the alkylating activity of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS.)
The aqueous extract of Rhinacanthus nasutus was demonstrated to have the highest anti-alkylating effect against EMS among the substances tested, followed in order by ether extracts of leaves of Andrographis paniculata and Catharanthus roseus and benzene-methylene chloride extract of Catharanthus roseus leaves. Solvent fractions of samples of Andrographis paniculata leaves, Catharanthus roseus leaves and roots and Rhinacanthus nasutus leaves did not significantly reduce alkylating activity.