Chemoprotective effect of the alkaloid extract of Melocactus bellavistensis against colon cancer induced in rats using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine

Objectives. To determine the toxicity and chemoprotective effect of the alkaloid extract of Melocactus bellavistensis against colon cancer induced in rats using 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Materials and methods. The alkaloid extract was obtained from the fleshy part of M. bellavistensis, and an acute toxicity test was then carried out on 30 mice of the Balb C57 strain. To assess its chemoprotective effect, colon cancer was induced in 45 Holtzman rats using DMH according to the following experimental design: one control group received 2 mL/kg sodium polysorbate, and four groups received 20 mg/kg DMH plus 0, 1, 5, or 10 mg/kg M. bellavistensis alkaloid extract. Results. With a sample of 5 g of alkaloid extract, an LD50 greater than 1000 mg/mL was determined in the acute toxicity test. Histological indicators revealed that the 5 and 10 mg/kg doses had significant anti-tumor activity with 100% neoplasia inhibition against DMHinduced colon cancer in rats. Conclusions. Under experimental conditions, the alkaloid extract of M. bellavistensis has a chemoprotective effect against DMH-induced colon cancer in rats.