# Effect of Ambrosia arborescens Mill. ethanolic extract on breast cancer induced in rats

## TL;DR

This study shows that an ethanolic extract from Ambrosia arborescens leaves reduces tumor growth in rats with induced breast cancer.

## Contribution

The novel finding is that A. arborescens extract exhibits dose-dependent anticancer effects in a rat breast cancer model.

## Key findings

- The ethanolic extract of A. arborescens reduced tumor volume in rats.
- The extract showed dose-dependent efficacy in decreasing tumor development.
- Histological improvements were observed in extract-treated groups compared to controls.

## Abstract

Ambrosia arborescens Mill. (A. arborescens) is an aromatic plant used in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tussive, anti-rheumatic, and anti-diarrheal agent. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. arborescens Mill. on a Rattus norvegicus var. albinus-induced breast cancer model.

We collected A. arborescens from the province of Julcán, La Libertad Region, Per, and prepared an ethanolic extract using pulverized leaves macerated in 96° ethanol for 72 h with magnetic stirring. In the evaluation of anticancer activity, four experimental groups with 10 female rats each were formed: Group I (Control-7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene [DMBA]), which received DMBA (single dose) and physiological saline solution for 4 months, and Groups II, III, and IV, which received DMBA (single dose) and 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg/day of the ethanolic extract of A. arborescens, respectively, for 4 months.

The DMBA control group presented histological characteristics of ductal carcinoma in situ with necrotic and inflammatory areas, whereas the A. arborescens extract group showed a decrease in tumor volume and recovery of the ductal duct.

Ethanol extract of A. arborescens leaves decreases tumor development in rats with induced breast cancer, and this effect is dose-dependent.