[Total alkaloid of Macleaya cordata: in vitro cytotoxic effect on Hep3B cells and in vivo antitumor effect in mice].

Objective: To observe the cytotoxic effects in vitro and antitumor effects in vivo of total alkaloid of Macleaya cordata.

Methods: MTT assay was used to assess the proliferation of Hep3B and H22 cells in vitro treated with the alkloid, and the inhibitory effects of the alkaloid on H22 and S180 tumors were observed in mice with subcutaneous inoculation of the tumor cells.

Results: The total alkaloid significantly inhibited the proliferation of human Hep3B cells and murine H22 cells in a dose-dependent in vitro. IC(50) of the alkloid in 3 repeated experiments was 3.04, 3.98 and 2.98 mug/ml respectively in Hep3B cells, and was 2.89, 2.21 and 2.34 mug/ml in H22 cells. In the tumor-bearing mice, the alkaloid inhibited the development of H22 tumor and prolonged the survival of S180 tumor-bearing mice. At the daily dose of 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg.b.w (i.p.) and 4 mg/kg.b.w. (i.g.) for 10 days, the inhibition rates of the alkaloid on H22 tumor in 3 repeated experiments were 18.6%, 35.1%, 44.9% and 7.9% respectively, and the rates of survival prolongation of the tumor-bearing mice were 24.8%, 48.9%, and 52.7%, respectively.

Conclusion: The alkloid possesses antitumor effects both in vitro and in vivo.