A Phytochemical Screening for Cytotoxicity of the Crude Extract of Tinospora cordifolia on HeLa and PA-1 Cell Lines Utilizing the MTT Assay

Abstract

Abstract: The primary objective of this study is to collect different species of Tinospora cordifolia and extract their active components using a systematic approach involving various organic solvents and water. This multifaceted extraction process is critical for maximizing the yield of bioactive compounds, which can vary significantly based on the solvent's polarity. The selected solvents—methanol, ethanol, chloroform, and water—are expected to target a broad spectrum of phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, known for their medicinal properties. Following extraction, preliminary phytochemical screening will be conducted to confirm the presence of these secondary metabolites, thereby laying the groundwork for further bioactivity assays. To assess the cytotoxic effects of the crude extracts, the study will employ the MTT assay on HeLa (cervical cancer) and Pa-1 (ovarian cancer) cell lines. The MTT assay is a widely recognized colorimetric method that evaluates cell viability based on the metabolic activity of living cells. By treating the cancer cell lines with various concentrations of the extracts over different time periods, the research aims to identify those extracts that exhibit significant cytotoxicity, potentially indicating the presence of active anticancer compounds. The outcomes of this screening will inform subsequent steps in the research process, particularly regarding the purification and characterization of the most promising extracts. This study highlights the importance of integrating ethnopharmacology with contemporary scientific methodologies to unlock the full therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, reaffirming the relevance of traditional medicine in modern pharmacology.