Recently, a number of antitumor agents have been found that inhibit growth and induce phenotypic reversion in certain malignant tumors.Plant glycoside-ginsenoside is an antitumor chemical compound discovered by Dr. Odashima in 1979. This ginsenoside is producted Rh1 and Rh1, but despite their chemical similarities, their effects on tumor cells are remarkably different. In fundamental studies, insenoside Rh2 is already refered to as having strong antitumor activities in certain malignant tumors.In this study, antitumor effects of ginsenoside Rh2 on a chemically induced salivary gland tumor in animals were investigated. Experimental method: Male dd-strain mice (2 month old) were used as the experimental subjects. To induce the formation of salivary gland tumors, 10% 20-methylcholanthrene in olive oil, which roughly amounts to 1.0mg/100g, was injected into the surgically exposed submaxillary gland of the mice. Those subject with induced, submaxillary gland tumors were divided into two groups, i.e., the control group and the ginsensoide administered group. In the latter group, two methods were used for administration of ginsenoside Rh2. Ginsenoside Rh2 in 40% ethanol, which roughly amounts to 1.0mg/100g, was injected subcutaneously and/or into the induced tumor. This administration was performed 2 to 3 times a week for a total of 10 times. At the conclusion of treatment, all mice in each group were scarified and the submaxillary gland tumors were histopathologically examined.Experimental results: The ginsenoside administered group showed a considerably slow tumor growth compared with the control group. In general condition, the mice of the ginsenoside administered group showed a remarkable loss of body weight despite no observed decrease in food intake. According to histopathological findings, ginsenoside Rh2 was effective in the epithelial and/or mesenchymal malignant tumor cells. Some nuclear swelling, pyknosis, cell degeneration and destructive cells in the cell nest of the tumors were observed.In summary the authors were impressed with ginsenoside Rh2's antitumor effects.