Homoeopathic Viscum album extract inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma cells

Abstract

Objectives: This study is aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic action of two homoeopathic medicines that are derived from Viscum album (VA) extract. Materials and Methods: An osteosarcoma cell line was cultured in the presence of two homoeopathic VA preparations (VAD3 and VAD30) and cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. The cell line U-2 OS was plated in two 96-well plates for 24 h with culture medium at 37 5°C and 5% CO2. Subsequently, this medium was replaced by another one containing VAD3 and VAD30 separately in concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μL/mL, as well as a control group (culture medium only). These plates were kept in culture for 48 h. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the percentage of viable cells. Subsequently, concentrations ranging from 1 to 10 μL/mL were tested. Results were compared to those of the control group and the mean half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated. Results: The MTT assay showed that it is possible to reduce 50% of the osteosarcoma cell population with low concentrations of the homeopathic VAD3 and VAD30 with IC50 of 6 62 μL/mL and 5 82 μL/mL, respectively. Conclusion: This is a promising result that shows the action of VAD3 and VAD30 in the U-2 OS lineage of osteosarcoma cancer cells. This opens up the possibility of using this medicine in the treatment of these tumours; if not alone, at least in association with other medicines or techniques.