RESUMEN
Object To explore, on the whole, the anticancer activity and mechanism of the aqueous extract of Ruixiang Langdu (Stellera chamaejasme L.) (SCLA). Methods Mice were given different i.g. doses of SCLA and their serum collected at different intervals after drug administration. The effects of the serum on the proliferation of mouse L 1210 leukemic cells were observed with MTT assay, clone formation and incorporation of [ 3H] TdR into DNA of the cells. Results Serum SCLA collected 1, 2, 4, 8 h after administration of 3, 6, and 12 g/kg SCLA showed significant decrease of MTT formazans and clone formation. Serum SCLA collected 2 h after drug administration showed more strong inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. It also inhibited the incorporation of [ 3H] TdR into DNA of L 1210 cells. Conclusion SCLA showed a remarkable inhibitory effect on proliferation and DNA synthesis of cancer cells cultured in vitro, which may be the main anticancer mechanisms of SCLA.