OBJECTIVETo provide a basis for development and preparation of the new anti-tumor agents from Cortex A-canthopanacis senticosus (CAS), through isolating the active substances from CAS and studying the anti-tumor effect of CAS extracts in vivo and in vitro.

METHODSThe effects of CAS extracts and its isolated ingredients on tumor cell proliferation in vitro was determined by 3H-TdR incorporation; the anti-tumor component of CAS was isolated and purified by chromatography; the tumor bearing mice model was established by injecting tumor cell subcutaneously, and the model was used to observe the anti-tumor effect of CAS extract administered through gastrogavage.

RESULTSCAS extract showed obvious inhibition on tumor cell proliferation originated from multiple tissues (P < 0.01) and displayed a better dose-effect relationship. After orally taken CAS extract, the general condition of mice in the experimental group were better than that in the untreated control group, revealing a slower growth and significantly prolonged survival period (P < 0.01). A protein component, having inhibitory effect on tumor cell proliferation and the molecular weight was 64 kda, it was isolated by the thin layer gel chromatography.

CONCLUSIONCAS has not only the in vitro inhibitory effect on cell proliferation of multiple kinds of tumor, but also a good anti-tumor effect in vivo. The anti-tumor activity of CAS is correlated with a protein component with the molecular weight of 64 kda. Further isolation, purification, study on mechanism will provide scientific evidence for clinical application and development of CAS in anti-tumor effect.