Anticancer Evaluation of Adiantum venustum Don

Cancer is a malignant disease that is characterized by rapid and uncontrolled formation of abnormal cells which may mass together to form a growth or tumor, or proliferate throughout the body. Next to heart disease, cancer is a major killer of mankind. This study aims at a preliminary phytochemical screening and anticancer evaluation of Adiantum venustum Don against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in animal model. The findings indicate that ethanolic extract of A. venustum Don possesses significant anticancer activity and also reduces elevated level of lipid peroxidation due to the presence of terpenoids and flavonoids. Thus, ethanolic extract of A. venustum Don could have vast therapeutic application against cancer.

Key words: Adiantum venustum, Cancer, flavonoids, lipid peroxidation, terpenoids.