# Swarna Bhasma reduces the blood concentration of tumor-specific signatures and protects from hepatocellular damages in Ehrlich ascites mice model

## TL;DR

Swarna Bhasma, a nano-gold powder, reduces cancer markers and protects the liver in a mouse model of cancer.

## Contribution

This study provides biochemical evidence of Swarna Bhasma's anti-carcinogenic and hepatoprotective effects in Ehrlich ascites mice.

## Key findings

- Swarna Bhasma reduced tumor-specific markers like CEA, TNF-α, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner.
- Higher doses of Swarna Bhasma significantly lowered AST/ALT ratio, indicating liver protection.
- Swarna Bhasma also reduced tumor volume and improved anorexia in treated mice.

## Abstract

The paradigm shift with alarmingly high rate of global cancer incidences encourages the application of incinerated gold Nano powder, Swarna Bhasma (SB) due to its exceptional potency, affordability, and minimal toxic effects. Previous experimental investigations were unable to provide a biochemical understanding of the anti-carcinogenic properties of SB.

To evaluate the tumour related markers in blood and possible alteration in hepatic parameters due to SB.

EAC (Ehrlich’s Ascites Carcinoma) induced tumour was generated in the female Swiss albino mice divided into 6 groups, namely, Vehicle Control (VC), Disease Control (DC), Standard Control (SC), and Treatment Groups with escalating doses (1.95, 3.9, and 7.8 mg/kg body weight) of SB. Blood serum quantified was measured for the levels of CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen), TNF-α (Tumour Necrosis Factoralpha), IL-6 (Interleukin-6), ALT (Alanine transaminase), and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase). Changes in daily food consumption, body weight, and tumour volume (with Vernier caliper) were coherently studied and analysed. The data was analysed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey's Honest Significance Test.

SB demonstrated effective reduction of CEA levels at higher doses, and TNF-α levels at medium doses. Both moderate and high doses exhibited a noteworthy, dosedependent decrease in IL-6 levels. Furthermore, SB led to a dose-dependent reduction in the AST/ALT ratio. A significant reduction in tumour volume were reported in both the moderate and high doses of SB along with marked improvement in anorexia. The higher doses of SB exhibited the serum validated results in the hepatic, renal and the splenic tissues.

The anti-carcinogenic activity of SB appeared to be dose-dependent. The finding also underscored the hepato-protective capability of SB in lower dose by alleviating cancer-related liver damage

•Swarna bhasma (SB) exhibited an average size of 7.67 nm with spherical and oval-shaped particles as per analytical outcomes.•SB in the EAC mice model reduced the tumor-specific markers (CEA, TNF-α, IL-6).•The escalating doses of SB reflected different variations among the hepatic blood parameters (ALT, AST, and AST/ALT ratio).

Swarna bhasma (SB) exhibited an average size of 7.67 nm with spherical and oval-shaped particles as per analytical outcomes.

SB in the EAC mice model reduced the tumor-specific markers (CEA, TNF-α, IL-6).

The escalating doses of SB reflected different variations among the hepatic blood parameters (ALT, AST, and AST/ALT ratio).