Purpose: To study the antitumor action of Tabebuia avellanedae in experimentally induced colon carcinogenesis by azoxymethane in mice.
Methods: Fifty (n=50) mice were divided into five groups: in group I azoxymethane (AOM) was administered, in Group II - β-lapachone, in group III - vehicle (diluent) and in group IV - vehicle + AOM and finally in group V - β-lapachone + AOM.
Results: It was observed the presence of aberrant crypt foci in all animals of groups I and IV, 50% in group II and 90% in group V.
Conclusion: The β-lapachone extracted from the Tabebuia avellanedae showed no protective effect of lesions induced by azoxymethane in colon of mice.