Effect of embelin on lipid profile in transplanted fibrosarcoma in rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of a naturally occurring antitumour compound embelin on its lipid lowering activity in experimental fibrosarcoma. Methods: Methylcholantherene induced fibrosarcoma was transplanted in rats. After 30 days, embelin (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered as suspension for a period of 20 days. The blood sample was collected on 21st day and the liver and the kidney were also removed for studying the lipid profile in serum and the tissues. Results: The levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides and free fatty acids were markedly elevated in the serum of tumour bearing rats. Significant alterations were also observed in the lipid profile of liver and kidney. These changes were significantly reversed in embelin (100 mg/kg) treated animals. Conclusion: The reversal of altered lipid to normal values by embelin in rats with experimentally induced tumour further supports the antitumour potential of embelin.