Abstract
Our preceding studies have demonstrated that EF2001 extracts have some radiation-protection and anti-tumor effects, and, as for the mechanism of the action, the enhancement of immuno activity and the action of anti-oxidation have been elucidated. In this study, we examined anti-tumor effects, the protection of immuno disturbance and the anti-oxidation action, against radiation in EF2001. After an intra-abdominal inoculation of approximately 2 x 106 Scc-7, ICR mice were given an endoceliac dosage 100 mg/kg of EF2001 every other day for two weeks. 2 Gy of radiation was given three times and the numbers of leukocytes and lymphocyte were counted. Comparing with that the group inoculated only with cancer cells increased the tumor size with time, some decrease in tumor size was clearly demonstrated in the group of radiation exposure groups and administration of EF2001 group. Almost all the mice inoculated only with cancer cells died after two weeks of radiation, while two thirds of radiation and EF2001 groups lived. The leukocytes, the lymphocyte counts, increased when doses EF2001 were administered regardless of radiation exposure. Anti-oxidation action was also demonstrated in both groups of EF2001. These results may indicate that administration of EF2001 enhances the immunologic activity and prevent side effects during cancer radiotherapy and provides a supplemental tool for the cure of cancer.
