Screening and Characterization

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 31 views

Cytotoxic Activity of African Leaves (Vernonia Amygdalina Delile) which is extracted using the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method in colon cancer cells

Introduction

Colon cancer is a deadly disease whose prevalence continues to increase, both in Indonesia and throughout the world. In the midst of a safer and more effective treatment search, African leaves (Vernonia amygdalina delile) emerged as a potential candidate for anticancer therapy. This plant is known to contain various secondary metabolites, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and tannins, which are considered to have anticancer effects. The Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method has been widely used in the extraction of bioactive compounds from plants due to its efficiency and ability to reduce extraction time. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of African leaf extract obtained through the MAE method on Widr colon cancer cells.

Research Purposes

The main objective of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic activity of African leaf extract obtained through the MAE method on Widr colon cancer cells. The MAE method was chosen because of its efficiency in extracting bioactive compounds using microwave energy, which allows reducing extraction time and increasing active compound results. The study also aims to determine the total phenol and total flavonoid content in the extract, as well as its antioxidant activity.

Method

The extraction process is carried out using ethanol as a solvent. This study involved several stages, including:

Screening and Characterization

Assess the quality and content of compounds in African leaf extract. This stage is crucial in determining the potential of the extract as an anticancer agent.

Determination of Total Phenol

Is done using the folin-ciocalteu method to determine the levels of phenol in the extract. Phenol is a compound that has been shown to have anticancer effects.

Determination of Total Flavonoids

Using the Colorimetric Method (AlCl3) to calculate the total flavonoids. Flavonoids are a class of compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anticancer effects.

Antioxidant Test

Known as the DPPH method to measure antioxidant activity. Antioxidants are compounds that can prevent or reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage.

Cytotoxic Test

The cytotoxic test on Widr cancer cells produced an IC50 value of 242.28 μg/ml. This number shows that African leaf extract has a moderate cytotoxic activity, indicating that the compounds in these extracts can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, but still require further research to understand the mechanism of action and its effectiveness clinically.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the ethanol extract of African leaves containing a total phenol of 38.91 mg GAE/g sample, and total flavonoids of 11.06 mg EQ/g sample. Antioxidant activity measured by IC50 shows a value of 81.93 μg/ml, which indicates that the extract has the potential as an antioxidant. The cytotoxic test on Widr cancer cells produced an IC50 value of 242.28 μg/ml, which indicates that African leaf extract has a moderate cytotoxic activity.

Conclusion

From the results of this study, it can be concluded that African leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina delile) which is extracted by the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method shows the current cytotoxic activity of Widr colon cancer cells. This finding provides hope for the development of safer and efficient plant-based therapy in the treatment of colon cancer. Further research in this field is very necessary to explore the full potential of African leaf extract as an anticancer agent.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of action of African leaf extract as an anticancer agent. This includes studying the effects of the extract on different types of cancer cells, as well as its potential interactions with other anticancer agents. Additionally, the study of the extract's toxicity and its potential side effects is also necessary to ensure its safety for human use.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the use of a single type of cancer cell line and the limited number of samples used. Additionally, the study did not investigate the effects of the extract on other types of cancer cells, which may have different responses to the extract.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides evidence that African leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina delile) which is extracted by the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method has cytotoxic activity against Widr colon cancer cells. This finding provides hope for the development of safer and efficient plant-based therapy in the treatment of colon cancer. Further research is necessary to explore the full potential of African leaf extract as an anticancer agent.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Cytotoxic Activity of African Leaves (Vernonia Amygdalina Delile) which is extracted using the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method in colon cancer cells

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic activity of African leaf extract obtained through the MAE method on Widr colon cancer cells.

Q: What is the Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) method?

A: The MAE method is a technique used to extract bioactive compounds from plants using microwave energy. This method is efficient and allows for the reduction of extraction time and the increase of active compound results.

Q: What are the potential benefits of using African leaf extract as an anticancer agent?

A: African leaf extract has been shown to have anticancer effects due to its content of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, steroids, and tannins. These compounds have been shown to have antioxidant and anticancer effects.

Q: What are the results of the cytotoxic test on Widr cancer cells?

A: The cytotoxic test on Widr cancer cells produced an IC50 value of 242.28 μg/ml, which indicates that African leaf extract has a moderate cytotoxic activity.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including the use of a single type of cancer cell line and the limited number of samples used. Additionally, the study did not investigate the effects of the extract on other types of cancer cells, which may have different responses to the extract.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: Further research is needed to understand the mechanism of action of African leaf extract as an anticancer agent. This includes studying the effects of the extract on different types of cancer cells, as well as its potential interactions with other anticancer agents.

Q: Is African leaf extract safe for human use?

A: The safety of African leaf extract for human use has not been fully investigated. Further research is needed to determine its potential toxicity and side effects.

Q: Can African leaf extract be used as a treatment for colon cancer?

A: While African leaf extract has shown promise as an anticancer agent, it should not be used as a treatment for colon cancer without further research and clinical trials.

Q: What are the potential applications of African leaf extract as an anticancer agent?

A: African leaf extract may have potential applications as an anticancer agent in the treatment of various types of cancer, including colon cancer. However, further research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential interactions with other anticancer agents.

Q: How can I obtain African leaf extract for research purposes?

A: African leaf extract can be obtained from various sources, including online retailers and botanical suppliers. However, it is essential to ensure that the extract is of high quality and purity for research purposes.

Q: What are the potential interactions between African leaf extract and other anticancer agents?

A: The potential interactions between African leaf extract and other anticancer agents have not been fully investigated. Further research is needed to determine its potential interactions with other anticancer agents.

Q: Can African leaf extract be used in combination with other treatments for colon cancer?

A: While African leaf extract has shown promise as an anticancer agent, it should not be used in combination with other treatments for colon cancer without further research and clinical trials.

Q: What are the potential side effects of African leaf extract?

A: The potential side effects of African leaf extract have not been fully investigated. Further research is needed to determine its potential toxicity and side effects.

Q: How can I stay up-to-date with the latest research on African leaf extract as an anticancer agent?

A: You can stay up-to-date with the latest research on African leaf extract as an anticancer agent by following reputable scientific journals and online resources.