Three alkaloids as selective destroyers of cancer cells in mice. Synergy with classic anticancer drugs.

Alstonine, serpentine and sempervirine, when used at appropriate concentrations cure a relatively important proportion of BALB/C mice inoculated with transplantable YC8 lymphoma ascites cells, as well as Swiss mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. The development of some solid tumors was only partially prevented. However, when one alkaloid was administered in association with either 5-FU, daunorubicin, 1-(2-chloroethyl) nitrosourea (CCNU) or cyclophosphamide (CP) to mice bearing either ascites carcinoma cells or solid tumors, a high rate of cure was obtained without toxicity. The role of the three alkaloids in the curing of mice and prevention of carcinogenesis is discussed.