Abstract

Thiiobenzyhdrazide (Htbh) and its Cu(II) complexes, [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] and [Cu(tbh)2] were synthesized and characterized by various physicochemical studies. In vivo and in vitro antitumour activity of Htbh, [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] and [Cu(tbh)2] has been tested. LD50 values were calculated for all the three compounds. It was observed that the antitumour effect of [Cu(Htbh)2Cl2] is maximum. Light microscopic study of the treated tumour mass demonstrated that certain cellular degradation, such as disappearance of mitotic figures, loss in cellular compactness, distortion of nucleus and disruption of cytoplasmic boundaries, takes place in the tumour region of complex treated mice. Further, tumour bearing mice administered with Cu(II) complexes showed reversal of tumour growth associated induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes.