ABSTRACT
The effect of the methanolic extract of Cleome chelidonii [CCME] was examined on the activities of Phase-I and Phase- II drug metabolizing enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, LDH and LPO in the liver of mice. Anticarcinogenic potential studied by using DMBA induced forestomach and TPA promoted skin papillomagenesis model. The study showed that the extract was able to induce the hepatic activity of Phase-II enzyme glutathione S-transferase [P < 0.005]. DTdiaphorase activity was also increased [P < 0.005]. CCME was augmented mainly the Phase II enzyme activity that is associated with detoxification of xenobiotics, while inhibiting the Phase I enzyme activity. There was an induction in antioxidant level that correlates with the significant reduction of LPO and LDH formation. However, the levels of the two enzymes were significantly reduced [P < 0.005] in the forestomach, kidney and lungs of treated animals. CCME have shown significant reduction on antioxidant enzyme response. Reduced glutathione was significantly elevated in liver [P < 0.05] and in extrahepatic organs [P<0.05]. The CCME revealed a chemopreventive response as shown by the significant inhibition of tumor burden [P < 0.05]