Abstract
Acalypha monostachya (A. monostachya) is a plant that is used in traditional medicine as a cancer treatment; however, its effect has not been validated. In this study, the potential cytotoxic effects and morphological changes of A. monostachya were evaluated in human tumor cell lines. The aqueous (AE), methanolic (ME), and hexane (HE) extracts were obtained, and flavonoid-type phenolic compounds were detected, which indicates an antineoplastic effect. We observed a time-dependent and concentration-selective toxicity in human tumor cells. Additionally, the ME and HE showed the greatest cytotoxic effect at minimum concentrations compared to the AE, which showed this effect at the highest concentrations. All extracts induced significant morphological changes in tumor cells. The HeLa (cervix carcinoma) cells were more sensitive compared to the MDA-MB-231 (triple-negative breast cancer) cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated a cytotoxic in vitro effect of A. monostachya extracts in tumoral human cell lines. These results show the potential antineoplastic effects of A. monostachya in vitro. Hereafter, our lab team will continue working to usefully isolate and obtain the specific compounds of A. monostachya extracts with cytotoxic effects on tumor cells to find more alternatives for cancer treatment.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is defined as a process of uncontrolled cell growth and dissemination that can appear practically anywhere in the body [1]
The plant A. monostachya was identified as a perennial herb that is approximately 10 to 40 cm tall with numerous branching stems with blades that are the same length and width as the petioles (0.5 cm to 2.5 cm long)
This research provides information on the effect of crude extracts of different polarities obtained from A. monostachya on human tumor lines, demonstrating that it possesses timeand concentration-dependent cytotoxic activity
Summary
According to the World Health Organization, cancer is defined as a process of uncontrolled cell growth and dissemination that can appear practically anywhere in the body [1]. In 2020, there were 19,292,789 cases of cancer presented around the world, of which 9,958,133 resulted deaths from this pathology [2]. In 2020 in Latin America and the Caribbean, the incidence of cancer in both sexes was 1,470,274 cases, and there was a mortality of 713, 414 [2]. In Mexico, there were 195,499 new cases and 90,222 deaths in. There are multiple treatments for cancer depending on the type and stage of cancer. The most common methods are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy; other methods include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, hormone therapy, stem cell transplantation, and precision medicine [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call