Anticancer effects of herbal medicine Emelia-M, Mshikazi and Delosma H against human leukaemia cells

Abstract

Background: Leukaemia is one of the three major types of blood cancers that lead to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H are herbal medicines that are being used by traditional healers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to treat leukaemia and other diseases. Objectives: To gain insight into the safety (non-toxic effect), anti-cancer activity, mechanisms of action and phytochemical profiles of traditional herbal medicines (Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H) in South Africa. Methods: The viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocytic (THP-1) and T-lymphocyte (Jurkat) cell lines exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extracts of the three herbal medicines were assessed using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay. Results: All three extracts showed a dose-dependent effect on the viability of PBMCs. Cell viability decreased with increasing concentrations of extracts when compared with the untreated cells at 24 and 48 hours. The inhibitory activities (IC50) of the extract were found in the order of Mshikazi > EMB, > Delosma H. All the extracts induced apoptosis with minimal necrosis. Many bioactive compounds that have been previously reported to have anticancer effects were identified in the extracts. Conclusion: Mshikazi extract significantly inhibited the growth of THP-1 and Jurkat cells and induced cell death through apoptosis than the other two extracts. Keywords: Leukaemia; traditional herbal medicines; apoptosis; phytochemical compounds.