Nineteen synthetic chalcones and ten structurally related compounds we
re investigated for their cytotoxic, tumour reducing and antioxidant a
ctivities. Methyl and hydroxy substituted chalcones were found to be c
ytotoxic in vitro whereas only hydroxy substituted chalcones could red
uce ascites tumour in animals. Although most of the compounds analysed
showed antioxidant activity, hydroxy and methyl substituted compounds
were found to be the most potent antioxidants.