Raju A

To study the antitumor effect of Drosera indica L against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor in mice. Antitumor activity of ethanol and aqueous extracts (250 and500 mg/kg) of D. indica L was evaluated against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor in mice. Acute toxicity study was conducted to find out the safety of both extracts of D. indica L. After 24 h of tumor inoculation, the extracts were administered daily for 14 days. On day 15, mice were sacrificed for observation of antitumor activity. The effect of both extracts on the growth of transplantable murine tumor, life span of EAC bearing hosts and simultaneous alterations in the hematological profile and peritoneal fluid analysis (DNA, RNA, caspase-3 and total protein) were estimated.  Both the extracts showed decrease in packed cell volume and viable cell count and increased in mean survival time thereby increasing life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile reverted to more or less normal levels in extracts treated mice. Treatment with extracts decreased the levels of RNA, DNA and increased level of caspase-3.The ethanol and aqueous extracts of D. indica L exhibited antitumor effect in EAC bearing mice. Key words: Drosera indica L, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, hematological profile, peritoneal fluid analysis