Effects of aristoloside, a component of guan-mu-tong (Caulis aristolochiae manshuriensis), on normal and preneoplastic mammary gland growth in mice.

Aristoloside, an extract of Guan-mu-tong (Gmt; Caulis aristolochiae manshuriensis) showing a marked anticancer potential, was dissolved with tap water (0.05%) and given to 4 month-old SHN mice for 30 days as drinking water. The treatment induced the inhibition of preneoplastic mammary gland growth and the stimulation of the excretion of urinary component. Ovarian follicles were dominant and the oestrous stage was elongated by the treatment. Aristoloside had little affect on normal mammary gland growth and serum levels of prolactin and free fatty acid. All findings were in agreement with those obtained from studies on chronic treatment with Gmt, and aristoloside is thus strongly suggested as being one of the major components of Gmt.