Antitumor activity of withaferin-A and propolis in benz (a) pyrene-induced breast cancer

Female breast cancer is the leading malignancy surpassing lung cancer recently, and its incidence is continued to rise in many countries. The existing anticancer drugs have limitations like drug resistance and adverse effects leading to poor clinical outcomes. The natural compounds withaferin-A and propolis have been individually reported for their anticancer activity in preclinical models. However, the combined effect of these compounds has not been studied especially in breast cancer models. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the effect of Withaferin-A and propolis on Benz(a)pyrene-induced breast cancer. Wistar rats of female gender were treated with saline (normal control), Benz(a)pyrene (disease control), Benz(a)pyrene+ Withaferin-A or Propolis, Benz(a)pyrene+ Withaferin-A+ Propolis. At the end of the treatment, the plasma levels of carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) were measured. We observed a decrease in carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) levels in rats received withaferin-A and propolis combination rather than individual compounds indicating their beneficial role in breast cancer. Results of the present study show that propolis, when combined with withaferin A, exhibits better anti tumor activity than its individual effect in Benz (a) pyrene-induced mammary carcinogenesis.

 

Comments:

The study you described investigated the potential anticancer effects of Withaferin-A and propolis, both individually and in combination, on Benz(a)pyrene-induced breast cancer in female Wistar rats. The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of these compounds on the plasma levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a tumor marker commonly associated with breast cancer.

The results of the study demonstrated that the combination of Withaferin-A and propolis led to a decrease in CEA levels compared to the individual compounds. This suggests that the combination treatment may have a more beneficial role in breast cancer compared to using the compounds separately. The findings imply that propolis, when combined with Withaferin-A, exhibits enhanced anti-tumor activity in the context of Benz(a)pyrene-induced mammary carcinogenesis.

It is important to note that these observations were made in a preclinical model using Wistar rats, and further research is needed to assess the potential therapeutic effects in human breast cancer. Additionally, the study focused on CEA levels as a marker of response, but comprehensive evaluation of other parameters, such as tumor size, histopathology, and overall survival, would provide a more complete understanding of the treatment's effectiveness.

While the study provides promising results, it is crucial to conduct additional research, including clinical trials, to determine the safety, efficacy, and optimal dosages of Withaferin-A and propolis as a combined treatment for breast cancer.

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