Cytotoxicity study of Houttuynia cordata Thunb crude extracts on HL-60 and Molt4 leukemic cell line

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of crude extract obtained from stem and leaf of Houttuynia cordata Thunb (Plu-Kao)  on  HL-60  and  Molt4  leukemic  cell  line  compared  to  normal  peripheral  blood  mononuclear  cells (PBMCs).

Method: The stem and leaf of Plu-Kao were extracted with 80% ethanol and various concentrations of the crude extracts were used to treat the HL-60, Molt4, and PBMCs. The cytotoxic effect of crude extracts was investigated by MTT assay.

Results: It was found that crude Plu-Kao extract form stem and leaf showed the cytotoxic effect on HL-60 and Molt4 with inhibitory concentration at 50% (IC₅₀) between 500-800  μg/mL. Interestingly, the crude extracts did not show the cytotoxic affect on PBMCs with the IC₅₀ > 800 μg/mL.

Conclusion: The crude Plu-Kao extracts showed the cytotoxic effect on both leukemic cells (HL-60 and Molt4) but not on PBMCs. Thus, the further investigation of the extracts should be performed to identify an active ingredient  and  develop  chemotherapeutic  agent  for  leukemia  treatment.  Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2010; 43: 30-38.