Phytochemical and Antiproliferative Effect of Indigofera stenophylla Guil. And Perr. (Fabaceae) Against 7,12-Dimethylbenzanthracene induced Breast Tumor in Rats

Breast cancer is a serious public health issue. Chemotherapy is clinically employed, and herbal medicines provide an alternative therapeutic option. Indigofera stenophylla is traditionally used for the management of breast cancer. Although it is yet to be validated, this study investigated the photochemistry and antiproliferative effect of methanol aerial parts extract of Indigofera stenophylla (MAEIS) against 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-induced breast tumors in rats. Phytochemical screening was conducted using standard procedures. Using Lorke’s approach, the oral median lethal dose for MAEIS was determined. A single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg DMBA was used to establish a breast tumor in a female Wistar rats. Tumor growth, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histological profiles were measured and evaluated. The MAEIS indicated the presence of alkaloids, steroids, triterpenes, flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, and saponins. The oral median lethal dose was 2,154 mg/kg. MAEIS significantly (p<0.01) reduced tumor volume in a dose dependent manner. It also attenuates DMBA-induced increases in the malondialdehyde, tumor necrotic factor-alpha, and nitric oxide levels while enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities (p<0.01). Histology showed that MAEIS ameliorates breast tissue damage. Methanol aerial parts extract of Indigofera stenophylla contains phytochemicals with antiproliferative properties against breast tumors in rats. Mechanistically, it may possibly act via anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, supporting its ethno-medicinal use for breast tumor treatment.