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Biol Trace Elem Res (2012) 149:431434 DOI 10.1007/s12011-012-9443-4
Estimation of Trace Elements in Mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) and Their Effect on Uterine Cervix Cancer Induced by Methylcholanthrene
Chunjing Zhang & Xiaodan Qi & Yan Shi & Yan Sun &
Shuyan Li & Xiulan Gao & Haitao Yu
Received: 21 March 2012 /Accepted: 25 April 2012 /Published online: 9 May 2012 # Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2012
Abstract In the present work, trace elemental analysis of mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) was carried out by the atomic absorption spectrometry technique. The concentrations of various elements analyzed in this medicine were ranked in decreasing order: selenium (Se)>zinc (Zn)>magnesium (Mg)>iron (Fe)>calcium (Ca)>manganese (Mn)>lead (Pb). The concentrations of Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ca, and Se were significantly decreased in serum of methylcholanthrene tumor models (P<0.001) compared with the control and mace groups. It is consistent with the result of tumor incidence. These trace elements could be directly or indirectly responsible for the antitumor activity of mace. The inorganic elements in this folk remedy can partly account for the antitumor.
Keywords Mace . Trace elements . Methylcholanthrene . Uterine cervical cancer . AAS
C. Zhang : Y. Shi : S. LiDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Qiqihar Medical University,Qiqihar 161006, Peoples Republic of China
X. QiDepartment of Clinical Biochemistry, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, Peoples Republic of China
Y. SunDepartment of Clinical Pathogenic Microorganism, Qiqihar Medical University,Qiqihar 161006, Peoples Republic of China
X. GaoShandong College of Chinese Medicine,Yantai, Shandong 265200, Peoples Republic of China
H. Yu (*)
Department of Biology Genetics, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, Heilongjiang 161006, Peoples Republic of China e-mail: [email protected]
Introduction
Uterine cervical cancer is still the second most common cancer in women worldwide, despite the existence of effective screening methods [1]. However, some treatments cause serious side effects such as digestive symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) and bone marrow suppression. Thus, drugs with fewer side effects and a superior effect in combination are desired.
Presently, there is growing interest in herbal remedies due to their perceived effectiveness and fewer side effects [2, 3]. Mace is the fibrous aril covering the testa of the seed of the aromatic tree, Myristica fragrans, and has been in use as a spice and folk remedy. Abundant research suggested that mace had chemopreventive...