Cytotoxic Effect of <i>Allium cepa</i> L. Extract on Human colon Cancer (WiDr) Cells: <i>In Vitro</i> Study

Abstract

The extract of Allium cepa L. is commonly used as adjuvant therapy for cancer that includes a potential source of anticancer properties. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity from a crude extract of Allium cepa L. against human colon cancer (WiDr) cells. The cytotoxic effect of Allium cepa L. extract was determined using MTT assay. The Allium cepa L. extract inhibited the proliferation of WiDr cells, but revealed no potent cytotoxicity with IC50 value of 1363.29 μg/mL on WiDr cells. The results showed that Allium cepa L. extract was no longer active as an anticancer drug, but it would be more active using the direct-bioactive compound of Allium cepa L. Some intens observations are still required to maximize its potential as one of chemotherapeutic agents in the future. On the other hand, further studies are needed to obtain the right dose of Allium cepa L. extract that can inhibit the cell growth well and determine the accuracy of its mechanism on WiDr cells as one of therapeutic strategies to treat human colon cancer.