Analysis using
flash column chromatography has detected "potent" anti-cancer properties in a sub-fraction of dichloromethane extract of Strobilanthes crispus when administered in vitro for the treatment of prostate and breast cancer cells.
Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia used
flash column chromatography to analyse the dichloromethane extract on silica gel.
Obtained sub-fractions were then tested for their ability to induce cell death and one sub-fraction, SC/D-F9, found to consistently kill both prostate and breast cancer cells.
However, it did not destroy normal epithelial cells in the breast.
"Crude extracts of this plant have been found to be cytotoxic to human cancer cell lines and protective against chemically-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats," the researchers write.
They now suggest that S crispus extracts could prove to be useful in developing "a potential therapeutic anti-cancer agent".
The academic institution calls itself the "university in a garden" thanks to its trees, animals and aquatic surroundings, which it says inspire a connection with nature among its faculty and students.
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