Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of grateloupia filicina on U87 cell and its xenografts in nude mice.Methods:The potential effect of grateloupia filicina on the cell viability was examined using MTT assay.U87 cells were inoculated into the nude mice to establish U87 cancer model.Then the nude mice with xenograft tumor were randomized into five groups.The grateloupia filicina was administered at three dosages on alternate days by vena caudalis.The anti-tumor effect of grateloupia filicina was evaluated based on the relative tumor volume

relative tumor proliferative rate and tumor inhibition rate.Results:Grateloupia filicina strongly inhibited the U87 cell growth.At the 1

5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg dosages of grateloupia filicina for 28 d

the growth inhibition of the transplanted tumor was 27.02%

39.93%

and 58.11%

respectively.Conclusion:Grateloupia filicina inhibits the growth of human U87 cancer cell in vitro and in vivo.