Effects of Aloe vera and honey on tumor growth evolution in rats

Author(s)

Rebeka Tomasin

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia
• Defense date: 2010-02-25

Examining board members

Miguel Arcanjo Areas; Felix Guillermo Reyes Reyes

• Advisor: Maria Cristina Cintra Gomes Marcondes

Abstract

Cancer is diagnosed in approximately 11 million people and is responsible for approximately 8 million deaths every year. Research in cancer control has shown the importance of co-adjuvant therapies. Aloe vera may reduce tumour mass and metastasis rates, while honey may inhibit tumour growth. This study verified the influence of Aloe vera and honey on tumour growth and cachexia in tumour-bearing rats. The influence of Aloe vera and honey on tumour growth evolution was assessed through tumour cell proliferation rate (Ki67-LI) and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio at 7, 14 and 20 days after the implant of Walker 256 carcinoma (sc) in adult rats. The effect of Aloe vera and honey against tumour growth was observed through a decrease in tumour cell proliferative rates and an increase in apoptosis susceptibility (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio) in tumours of treated group compared to untreated group. In contrast, it was observed a decrease in apoptosis susceptibility (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio) in livers of Aloe vera and honey-treated group, showing a possible protective effect in liver tissue. In order to elucidate the therapeutic effects of Aloe vera and honey solution on oxidative stress and cachexia development, Aloe vera and honey-treated and untreated rats before tumour induction were distributed into the following groups: tumour-bearing rats treated after tumour implant (CWA), treated before tumour implant (AW), treated before and after tumour implant (AWA) with Aloe vera and honey solution and untreated tumour-bearing rats (CW). After 21 days of tumour implant, morphometric analyses, serum proteins content and oxidative stress assays (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-Stransferase, alkaline phosphatase activities and protein and MDA content) were evaluated in liver, muscle and myocardium. The Aloe vera and honey treatment modulated oxidative stress, tissue wasting and cachexia, especially as therapeutic way (CWA). On the other hand, tumour of Aloe vera and honey-treated rats tended to increase oxidative stress and/or decrease antioxidant enzymes activities. These data suggested Aloe vera and honey treatment affected tumour and host in a different way, by preserving host tissues while promoted damages in tumour tissue (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/05788-4 - Effects of Aloe vera and honey on tumor growth evolution in vivo and in vitro in rats
• Grantee: Rebeka Tomasin
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master