In vitro cytotoxic activity of Piper betle (Ikmo) leaf extract on HCT 116 cancer cells

Cancer is a fatal disease which is known to cause a huge number of mortalities worldwide. Commercial treatments are available, yet they cause side effects and are expensive as well. Hence, it is necessary to search for a potential natural anticancer alternative such as Piper betle, which is abundant in tropical countries like the Philippines. This study aimed to determine the cytotoxic activity of the Piper betle leaf extract against HCT 116 cancer cells through an MTT assay where the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract was obtained. Results showed that the Piper betle leaf extract was successful in inhibiting cancer cells and was found to be most effective at 100 μg/mL. However, it was not considered active since the computed IC50 values for the three trials were all above the set standard of the American National Cancer Institute which was ≤ 30μg/mL. Furthermore, isolating the active components of the Piper betle is highly encouraged in order to potentially improve its inhibitory properties