Phytochemical and in-vitro Cytotoxicity Study of Ethanol Extract of Fresh and Steamed Cassava Tuber (Manihot Esculenta) Against Hela Cells
Abstract
Background
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women. Although some treatments increase survival rates, they are relatively expensive. Research shows some naturally occurring metabolites in cassava may have anti-cancer properties. This research aims to investigate the phytochemical components of cassava tuber and their cytotoxic abilities.
Methods
Extracts of fresh and steamed cassava tuber (Manihot esculenta) were made using ethanol as a solvent. These extracts were then tested to examine their phytochemical constituents using various phytochemical assays and thin-layer chromatography. Additionally, their cytotoxic abilities were also inspected using an MTT assay and the HeLa cell line.
Results
Ethanolic extracts of fresh and steamed Manihot esculenta tubers contained 2 phytochemicals. These are alkaloid and triterpenoid. They both also have ‘weakly active’ cytotoxic activity as the ethanolic extracts of fresh Manihot esculenta tuber had an IC50 value of 159.56μg/mL and the ethanolic extracts of steamed Manihot esculenta tuber had an IC50 value of 157.11μg/mL towards HeLa cervical cancer line.
Conclusion
Ethanolic extract of both fresh and steamed Manihot esculenta contained phytochemicals that show cytotoxic activity towards the HeLa cervical cancer line.
