No abstract

Cancer, which is a diverse group of diseases characterized by proliferation and spread of abnormal cells, is a major worldwide concern. Therefore, the discovery and development of new potent and selective anticancer drugs are of high importance in modern cancer research. Schiff bases containing the C=N group play a very important role in many biological activities. They have been found to possess anticancer (1,2), antimicrobial (3), antitubercular (4), antiinflammatory and anlgesic (5), antiviral (6), and pesticidal (7) properties. Not only the Schiff bases, but also Schiff base complexes with transition metals have been investigated for their anticancer activities against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells in Swiss albino mice (8,9). Recently, the anticancer activities of some semicarbazones and thiosemicarbazones against EAC cells have been reported (10-12). The aim of the present study was to explore the anticancer properties of two Schiff bases, namely benzoin thiosemicarbazone (BTSC) and para-anisaldehyde semicarbazone (PAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Chemicals All chemicals and reagents used to carry out the research work were of reagent grade. Experimental animals Swiss albino mice, 5-7 weeks old and weighing 25-30 g, were collected from International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR'B) Mohakhali, Dhaka. Animal care Mice were kept in iron cages with saw dust and straw bedding, which was changed once a week regularly. Standard mouse diet (recommended and prepared by ICDDR'B) and water were given adequately.