Flavonoids of Enhydra fluctuans exhibit anticancer activity against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma in mice.

Flavonoids obtained from Enhydra fluctuans (FEF) were screened for anticancer activity against Ehrlich's ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing Swiss albino mice. The anticancer activity was assessed by measuring the tumor growth response, percentage increase of life span, hematological parameters, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity, like GSH and CAT. Two flavonoids, baicalein 7-O-glucoside and baicalein 7-O-diglucoside, were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction. Treatment with FEF caused a significant decrease in the tumor cell volume and increase of life span. All the hematological parameters, malonaldehyde content and antioxidant enzyme activity were restored towards the normal level. FEF was found to be cytotoxic in the in-vitro model.