Inhibition of chemical carcinogenesis in mice by ixora coccinea flowers.

Topical application of 100 mg/kg body weight of the active fraction of Ixora coccinea flower inhibited the growth and delayed the onset of papilloma formation in mice, initiated and promoted with 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and croton oil, respectively. The active fraction at the same dose, when administered orally, inhibited the growth of subcutaneously injected 3-methylcholanthrene - induced soft tissue fibrosarcomas.