Homoeopathic Viscum album extract inhibits the growth of osteosarcoma cells

Abstract

This study is aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic action of two homoeopathic medicines that are derived from Viscum album (VA) extract. 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. 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. 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.