Antitumor activity of methanolic extract of Cassia fistula L. seed againstEhrlich Ascites Carcinoma

Effects of methanolic extract (ME) of Cassia fistula seed on the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and on the life span of tumor bearing mice were studied. ME treatment showed an increase of life span, and a decrease in the tumor volume and viable tumor cell count in the EAC tumor hosts. Cyt ological studies have revealed a reduction in the mitotic activity, and the appearance of membrane blebbing and intracytoplasmic vacuoles in the treat ed tumor cells. Improvement in the hematological parameters following ME tr eatment, like hemoglobin content, red blood cell count and bone marrow cell count of the tumor bearing mice have also been observed. The results of th e present study suggest that ME of C, fistula seed has an antitumor activit y. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.