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

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, People's Republic of China.

Biological trace element research 2012 Dec

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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.

Citation

Chunjing Zhang, Xiaodan Qi, Yan Shi, Yan Sun, Shuyan Li, Xiulan Gao, Haitao Yu. Estimation of trace elements in mace (Myristica fragrans Houtt) and their effect on uterine cervix cancer induced by methylcholanthrene. Biological trace element research. 2012 Dec;149(3):431-4