Ruta Graveolens in Homeopathic Dilution Has In Vitro Antitumor Activity in Osteosarcoma Cells (U2OS) and Low Effect on Canine Mesenchymal Stem Cells (CTM)

Abstract

Ruta graveolens belongs to the family Rutaceae, and it is used to treat inflammatory diseases and some cases of cancer due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Osteosarcoma (OS) is a bone cancer that mainly affects children and adolescents and has a high index in dogs. The treatment of this cancer consists of high doses of chemotherapy, and resection of the area affected by cancer, thus making it a painful and invasive treatment for patients. Under this perspective, it is necessary to search for new forms of treatment that are less invasive and, at the same time, effective, considering that homeopathy is used as a complementary therapy and benefits the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to compare the in vitro action of the homeopathic medicine Ruta D35 on U2OS osteosarcoma cells and canine mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). Our results demonstrate that Ruta D35 has a toxic effect on U2OS cells (IC50 16.38µL/mL), reducing cell viability compared to MSC (IC50 67.38µL/mL). Therefore, Ruta D35 showed positive results in treating the OS U2OS line, demonstrating a potential activity in treating this cancer.