ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of diallyl sulfide (DAS), an organosulfur compound present in garlic (Allium sativum), on the life span of ehrlich ascites (EA) tumor bearing Swiss albino mice, cytotoxicity and angiogenesis.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>EA tumor cells were maintained by serial transplantation in peritoneal cavity of male Swiss albino mice. EA tumor cells were inoculated at concentrations of 1 x 10(6) EA cells, 2.5 x 10(6) EA cells and 5 x 10(6) EA cells. DAS was given in 0.2 ml normal saline i.p., daily for seven days followed one hour later by inoculation with EA cells in respective groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results revealed that administration of DAS increased the life span of EA tumor bearing animals by more than 25 percent. A significant dose dependant cytotoxic response of DAS was also observed on EA tumor cells. DAS was also found to inhibit the angiogenesis in EA tumor bearing mice in a dose dependent manner.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It is suggested that DAS may exert its anticarcinogenic effects by more than one mechanism and is a useful chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.</p>