1.  Title

Antineoplastic Properties of Maharishi-4 [MAK-4] Against DMBA-Induced Mammary Tumors in Rats

Publication

Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, Vol. 35, pp. 767-773, 1990.

Authors

Hari M. Sharma,* Chandradhar Dwivedi,** Bryan C. Satter,** Krishnamurthy P. Gudehithlu,* Hussein Abou-lssa,* William Malarkey,* and Gopi A. Tejwani.*

Conducted at

* College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH 43210

**College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 37007

 

Summary

The herbal mixture MAK-4 (Maharishi Arnrit Kalash-4) was tested for anticarcinogenic and anticancer properties against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary tumors in rats. The 6% MAK-4-supplemented diet protected against DMBA-induced carcinogenesis by reducing both tumor

incidence and multiplicity during initiation and promotion phases. MAK-4 provided up to 88% protection (p<0.05) during the promotion phase, and 60% (p<0.05) during the initiation phase of carcinogenesis. Also, 60% of the control animals which had developed fully-formed tumors showed tumor regression when their diet was subsequently supplemented with MAK-4 for four weeks. In 30% of these rats, the tumor regressed completely. There was no significant difference in the food intake or weight gain in rats on the MAK-4-supplemented diet compared to the control group.

 

 

Time (weeks)

FIG. 1. Effect of 6% M-4-supplemented diet on tumor incidence Tumor incidences in all groups were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. C=60%, l=21%, P=7%, 1&P=14%. I, P and I+P group were significantly different from C group (p<0.05).

 

TABLE 1.

CHANGES IN TUMOR VOLUME OF THE RATS IN THE REGRESSION GROUP TREATED WITH 6% M-4-SUPPLEMENTED DIET FOR

+ Increase in tumor size  Decrease in tumor size

 

 

 

Abstract, figure, and table reprinted bypermission of the publisher from Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, Vol. 35, pp. 767- 773. Copyright 1990 by Elsevier Science Inc.