Caffeine inhibits the development of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in female mice.

Long-term administration of caffeine at a dose of 20 mg /kg/day p.o. suppressed the viability, oxygen consumption and [3H]-thymidine incorporation of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. Though no significant change in the levels of plasma and adrenal corticosterone as well as both total and reduced adrenal ascorbic acid were observed following long-term caffeine consumption, pretreatment of caffeine and continuation of its treatment in the course of development of EAC cells restored the EAC Cell-induced changes in both corticosterone and ascorbic acid levels to control values. These results, thus, suggest that caffeine may suppress the growth of EAC cells by modulating the adrenal ascorbate level as well as corticosterone status.