In vitro anti-tumour studies on Cnicus wallichi DC.

Cnicus wallichi DC belonging to the family Asteraceae (Compositae) commonly known as Indian thistle and cirsium wallichi. It is an important medicinal plant indigenous to Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, South India. Since the related species Cnicus benedictus was reported for its anti cancer activities, In vitro screening studies for antitumour activities were carried out for different extracts of Cnicus wallichi DC. Seven different extracts were obtained from the aerial parts of the whole plant by successive solvent extraction and maceration process and subjected for In vitro screening studies. Antitumour study was carried out by short term toxicity studies using Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) cells. The ethyl acetate extract of Cnicus wallichi DC showed significant antioxidant activity in all the methods.