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Abstract Nanoparticles are rapidly being developed and trialed to overcome several limitations of traditional drug delivery systems and are coming up as a distinct therapeutics for cancer treatment. Many plant compounds are used in traditional medicine. The present study was designed to examine the antitumor effect of fenugreek or licorice extract either alone or combined with selenium nanoparticles. Ehrlich ascite carcinoma (EAC) cells and 10 groups of female mice were used. Solid Ehrlich carcinoma was induced by inoculation of 2.5x106 cells in the left thighs of each animal. Mice were gavage orally every day by 2.5 µg /0.1 ml of fungreek or licorice extract either alone or combined with selenium nanoparticles. Tumor size, tumor cytokine profile (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and Interferone gamma (IFN-γ)), tumor apoptotic profile (Granzyme-B and Caspase-3) were evaluated in serum. The tumor lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde (MDA)) and antioxidant markers activities (Reduced Glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT)) were determined in tumor tissues. Histopathological, apoptotic and necrotic examinations in tumor tissues were also evaluated. The results revealed asignificant inhibition in tumor size throughout the observation period either for treatments with fenugreek or licorice extract either alone or combined with selenium nanoparticles. Caspase-3 and Granzyme-B activity were significantly elevated in serum of treated mice as compared with EC group along with diminished tumor size while, TNF-α and IFN-γ levels were significantly decreased in serum. MDA was significantly decreased in tumor tissue. In addition, tumor GSH content and CAT activity were significantly increased. Histopathological, apoptotic and necrotic examinations showed that tumor cells treated with fenugreek or licorice extract either alone or combined with selenium nanoparticles were context with the previous findings. |