2.1. Determination of the effect P. amarus on ascites
tumours
Tumour cells (DLA/EAC) aspirated from the peritoneal
cavity of mice were washed with saline and
1×106 tumour cells were given intraperitoneally to
four group of animals (seven mice per group). Animals
in the group I were kept without P. amarus treatment.
Animals in group II-IV received P. amarus extract at a
concentration of 60, 300, 1500 mg/kg body weight
(p.o), respectively, 24 h after tumour inoculation and
continued daily for 10 days. Animals were observed for
the development of ascites tumour and deaths due to
tumour burden were recorded. The increase in life span
(percent ILS) of treated group was calculated using the
formula, percent ILS=(T−C)/C×100, where ‘T’ and
‘C’ are mean survival of treated and control mice,
respectively (Joy et al., 2000).