Antineoplastic properties of Maharishi-4 against DMBA-induced mammary tumors in rats

Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1990 Apr;35(4):767-73. doi: 10.1016/0091-3057(90)90356-m.

Abstract

Maharishi-4 (M-4), an ayurvedic food supplement, was tested for anticarcinogenic and anticancer properties against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in rats. The 6% M-4-supplemented diet protected DMBA-induced carcinogenesis by reducing both tumor incidence and multiplicity during initiation and promotion phases. The control animals who developed tumors when supplemented with M-4 diet for four weeks showed tumor regression in 60% of cases. There was no significant difference in the food intake or weight gain in rats who were on M-4-supplemented diet compared to control group. Possible mechanisms of action of M-4 are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
  • Adenocarcinoma / chemically induced
  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma / prevention & control*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic*
  • Enkephalin, Methionine / analysis
  • Estradiol / blood
  • Female
  • Hypothalamus / analysis
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / chemically induced
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / drug therapy
  • Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / prevention & control*
  • Medicine, Ayurvedic*
  • Pituitary Gland / analysis
  • Plants, Medicinal*
  • Prolactin / blood
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • beta-Endorphin / analysis

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Estradiol
  • 9,10-Dimethyl-1,2-benzanthracene
  • Enkephalin, Methionine
  • beta-Endorphin
  • Prolactin