[3H]-thymidine uptake and lipid peroxidation by tumor cells on embelin treatment: an in vitro study.

Using a rapid technique to assess drug-induced cell toxicity, a fibrosarcoma cell line was exposed in vitro to increasing concentrations of embelin, a benzoquinone derivative of Embelia ribes Burm., and simultaneously inoculated with [3H]-thymidine. After regular time intervals, the cells were examined for incorporation of the labelled thymidine in DNA, lipid peroxide and glutathione levels. A dose-dependent decrease in labelled thymidine uptake, lipid peroxide and glutathione levels was observed on embelin administration.