Hydroxychavicol (HC), a major phenolic derivative isolated from the leaves of Piper betle L. is well known for its antibacterial, antifungal and antimutagenic properties. The present study evaluated the in vivo antitumor activity of HC against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss albino mice and in silico interaction of HC with the receptors involved in the cancer. Hydroxychavicol (200 and 400 mg/kg bw) was orally administered for 21 consecutive days and was effective in inhibiting the tumor growth in ascitic mouse model. HC consistently reduced the tumor volume, viable cell count, lipid peroxidation and elevated the life span of HC treated mice. Besides the hematological profiles, SGOT and SGPT levels reverted back to normal and oxidative stress markers GSH, SOD and CAT also increased in HC treated groups. In silico docking analysis revealed that HC possessed potent antagonist activity against all the cancer targets demonstrating its inhibitory activity.
Keywords: Antitumor; Docking; Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma; Hydroxychavicol; Oxidative stress.