Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Xanthium sibiricum Patr. on carcinogenesis. Method: Water
extract from Xanthium sibiricum Patr. (XPW) was prepared and investigated for the potential antitumor activity and inhibition
of benzo[a]pyrene-DNA adduct formation and free radical formation. Result: It was shown that the water possess
considerable toxicity toward tumor cell lines. Concentration of XPW at 1.0 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL resulted in more
than 30% inhibition of growth in HeLa cells. Toxicity of XPW to A549 revealed that 54% inhibition of growth at concentration
of 2.5 mg/mL. At concentrations of 0.5 mg/mL, 1.0 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL of XPW, the binding of [3H]B[a]P metabolites
to DNA of human Chang cell was inhibited by 19%, 33%, and 41%, respectively. There 18% and 32% inhibition in
the free radical formation with XPW at the concentration of 1.0 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Water
extract from Xanthium sibiricum Patr. (XPW) has antitumor and cancer chemopreventive activities.