Antioxidant, cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of the rhizome of Zingiber zerumbet Linn. in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice

Abstract Due to having a long history of traditional uses as a functional food, Zingiber zerumbet was selected here to explore the inherent antioxidant and antineoplastic activities of methanolic extract of its rhizome (MEZZR) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The rich polyphenol containing MEZZR showed a marked DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide radicals and lipid peroxidation inhibition activity with an IC 50 of 3.43 ± 1.25, 11.38 ± 1.39, 23.12 ± 3.39 and 16.47 ± 1.47 µg/ml, respectively, when compared to the standard catechin. In vivo, MEZZR significantly inhibited EAC cell growth, decreased body weight gain, increased life span and restored the altered hematological characteristics of EAC-bearing mice. Moreover, MEZZR induced nuclear condensation and fragmentation, which are notable features of…