Cytotoxicity studies of aqueous extracts of Curcuma longa and Quercus infectoria

Curcuma longa (CL) has been widely studied for its efficacies in assisting treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer, arthritis and many types of cancer diseases whilst Quercus infectoria (QI) possessed potential as local anaesthetic, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic. In Ayurvedic medicine, CL has been used to promote wellness after childbirth especially in wound healing and weight management. The use of QI has also been related to this beneficial use. However, not many studies were done to look into the safety of these plants especially when used in combination. This study was carried out to determine the cytotoxic effects of these aqueous plant extracts on kidney epithellial cells of monkey (Vero), Chinese Hamster Ovarian cells (CHO), human hepatoma (HepG2) and colon carcinoma (HCT116) cell lines. The viability of both aqueous extracts of CL and QI were measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay. The viability of the cells was proportionate to the concentrations of NADH produced by dehydrogenase enzymes in metabolically active cells. Results demonstrated that QI nut galls aqueous extract was not cytotoxic. However, CL rhizomes aqueous extract showed potential as an anticancer agent with IC50 < 50 µg/ml. In conclusion, QI aqueous extract was considered as safe and may be potential adjunctive anti-obesity agent marketable for weight management. On the other hand, CL aqueous extract should be further investigated for its possibility as an anticancer agent.