Recognition and Evaluation of Lapachol as an Antitumor Agent

Abstract

Summary The extracts of Stereospermum suaveolens showed reproducible activity against the Walker 256 intramuscular tumor system. The active principle was isolated and shown to be identical with the known compound lapachol, 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone. Lapachol shows highly significant activity against Walker 256 carcinosarcoma when given by intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, and oral routes. The best activity and therapeutic index are shown when the drug is given twice daily by the oral route.