Trimodulatory effects of asoka extracts along with cisplatin and hyperthermia against sarcoma - 180 tumour bearing mice

Cisplatin is the most active anticancer agents and have broad clinical application. Saraca asoca, one of the most important medicinal plants has showed potential antitumour activity and chemoprotective effects on toxicities induced by cisplatin. Purification and chemical analysis of the active compound from the bark and flower extracts of Asoka was done and observed that the plant have chemoprotective activity. The effect of administration of extracts of Saraca asoca flower and bark were studied in sarcoma-180 tumour bearing mice. Hyperthermia has been shown to enhance the antitumour activity of Chemotherapeutic drugs. So from the above observation, it is clear that the use of Ashoka extracts along with cisplatin and hyperthermia can enhance the antitumour activity. This trimodality treatment schedule with the Ashoka bark and flower extracts, hyperthermia and cisplatin significantly inhibited the growth of subcutaneously transplanted Sarcoma-180 solid tumours in mice.