A new anti-cancer principle isolated from Gymnosporia rothiana Laws, and its use in attaining cures in L1210 leukaemia in combination with "S" phase sensitive drugs.

A new anti-cancer drug, code named GCE pending chemical characterization, has been isolated from a plant Gymnosporia rothiana, Laws. In addition to exhibiting good anti-cancer activities, GCE prolongs the "S" phase of cell cycle. This property has been exploited in evolving a new combination chemotherapy schedule with "S" phase sensitive drugs. Cures in L1210 bearing mice have been observed by administering GCE 2 hours prior to administration of "S" phase sensitive drug such as cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), hydroxyurea (HU) or 5 fluorouracil (5FU).