A Schiff base (HL) has been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical, spectroscopic and X-ray crystallography studies. Three of its Ru(III) complexes were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic studies. The DNA binding properties of HL and its Ru(III) complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy. Also, HL and its Ru(III) complex [RuCl2(AsPh3)L] were tested for DNA cleavage properties. The results showed that the complex cleaves DNA more rapidly than the free ligand. Further, an in vitro study of the cytotoxicity of HL and the complex [RuCl2(AsPh3)L] was carried out.