
To investigate the anti tumor potential of 50% hydro ethanolic extract of Caeselpinia sappan (EECS) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice. The anti tumor potential was carried out both by in vitro (MTT assay in Hep G 2 cell line) and in vivo methods. The cytotoxic effect (Ic 50 value) on Hep G 2 cell line and Vero cell line was found to be 1.25mg/ml and 2.50mg/ml. Various hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, Hb and PCV) and marker enzymes (Cathepsin-D, β-D-glucuronidase, Acid phosphatase, 5’-nucleotidase and lactate dehydrogenase) were analyzed. The extract was administered at the dose of 400mg/kg of body weight and with the 5-FU (20 mg/kg.ip) as the standard drug. Tumor was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells (1x106cells/mouse). Significant changes were observed in biochemical parameters of ascitic carcinoma mice when compared to C.Sappan treated mice. The anti tumor potential activity was mainly due to the presence of poly phenolics and flavonoids present in the plant extract. Thus, the present study confirms the anti tumor potential of the ethanolic extract of C.Sappan.