The present investigation was undertaken to find out the anticancer activity of monoterpene compounds. Monoterpenes showed generally the inhibitory effect on the proliferation o f L1210 cancer cells (cytotoxicity). Geraniol was found to exibit the most potent cytotoxic effect on L1210 cells with an IC50 values of $0.67{mu}g/ml$. On the other hand, geraniol proved to be capable of stimulating the macrophage proliferation (135% of control). When the life prolonging activity of geraniol by daily oral administration of 0.1~10${mu}g/10{mu}l/20$ g body weight to Sarcoma 180 bearing ICR mouse was examined, there was also a significant elevation of survival (best result of 134% of control). The contradictory effects of geraniol on the proliferation of L1210 cells and macrophages proved to be accompanied by the coincident alterations of RNS (reactive nitrogen species) related enzymes activities such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (Inos) in macrophages and ROS (reactive oxygen species) related enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) in L1210 cells, respectively.