Investigation of the Anti-Tumour Action of Eupatoriopicrin Against the Lewis Lung Tumour

In this work eupatoriopicrin, the principal sesquiterpene lactone in Eupatorium cannabinum L., was tested for possible cytostatic activity in an experimental solid tumour system of the mouse: the Lewis lung tumour. The tumour cells were transplanted subcutaneously in the left back flank of female C57BL mice. Eupatoriopicrin was administered intraperitoneally as a fine suspension in saline. The animals were treated with the drug at a tumour volume of 500 µl or at an earlier stage, at which no tumour was visible yet. After treatment, progress of tumour growth was measured and compared with a control group. Different doses and dosage schedules were used. Treated animals showed a delay in tumour growth. Repeated administration resulted in a prolonged growth delay.