Study of the antineoplastic action of Tabebuia avellanedae in carcinogenesis induced by azoxymethane in mice.

OBJECTIVE

To study the antitumor action of Tabebuia avellanedae in experimentally induced colon carcinogenesis by azoxymethane in mice.

METHODS

Fifty (n=50) mice were divided into five groups: in group I azoxymethane (AOM) was administered, in Group II - β-lapachone, in group III - vehicle (diluent) and in group IV - vehicle + AOM and finally in group V - β-lapachone + AOM.

RESULTS

It was observed the presence of aberrant crypt foci in all animals of groups I and IV, 50% in group II and 90% in group V.

CONCLUSIONS

The β-lapachone extracted from the Tabebuia avellanedae showed no protective effect of lesions induced by azoxymethane in colon of mice.