ECTEINASCIDIA VENUI MEENAKSHI, 2000 AGAINST EHRLICH ASCITES CARCINOMA – ANTICANCER POTENTIAL

S. Sankaravadivu, R. Jothibai Margret* and V. K. Meenakshi*

ABSTRACT

The current study aims at investigating antitumor potential of Ecteinascidia venui on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell lines. The in vitro viability of EAC cells to varying concentrations of the extract was assessed. In vivo antitumor activity of the extract at doses of 100,150, 200 and vincristin 80 mg/kg body weight against EAC bearing mice was determined. Evaluation of the antitumor effect of ethanol extract of Ecteinascidia venui on tumor growth and hosts survival time was made by the study of the following parameters: solid tumor volume, viable, non viable cell count, life span and hematology adopting standard methods. The results showed a decrease in tumor volume, packed, viable cells and increase in median survival time, life span and non-viable cells. In the groups treated with different doses of extract, the content of Hb, RBC, and Lymphocytes increased whereas WBC, Neutrophils and Eosinophils decreased. The results suggest that the extracts of Ecteinascidia venui exhibit significant antitumor potential on EAC bearing mice.

Keywords: Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma, antitumor, hematological studies, Ecteinascidia venue.