Complexes of the type [Ru(II)Cl(2)(DMSO)(2)L], where L are 5-nitrofurylsemicarbazone derivatives, were prepared in an effort to combine the potential anti-tumor activity of the metal and the free ligands. The new complexes are excellent DNA binding agents for calf thymus DNA. So, their in vitro anti-tumor activity was tested in cellular models and the complexes were found to be non-cytotoxic on the tumor cell lines assayed, neither in aerobic conditions nor in the bio-reductive assay performed. Redox behavior, lipophilicity and stability were studied in order to explain the lack of cellular cytotoxic effects. The complexes resulted 10-100 times more hydrophilic than the parent ligands thus the bio-activity of these compounds would be compromised by their inadequate lipophilic properties.