Chloroform Extract of Rasagenthi Mezhugu, a Siddha Formulation, as an Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine for HPV-Positive Cervical Cancers

Abstract

Rasagenthi Mezhugu (RGM) is a herbomineral formulation in the Siddha system of traditional medicine and is prescribed in the southern parts of India as a remedy for all kinds of cancers. However, scientific evidence for its therapeutic efficacy in cervical cancer is lacking, and it contains heavy metals. To overcome these limitations, RGM was extracted, and the fractions were tested on HPV-positive cervical cancer cells, ME-180 and SiHa. The extracts, free from the toxic heavy metals, affected the viability of both the cells. The chloroform fraction (cRGM) induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis was indicated. Though both the cells responded to the treatment, ME-180 was more responsive. Thus, this study brings up scientific evidence for the efficacy of RGM against the HPV-mediated cervical cancer cells and, if the toxic heavy metals are the limitation in its use, cRGM would be a suitable candidate as evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine for HPV-positive cervical cancers.

Biogenic silver nanoparticles synthesis using the extract of the medicinal plant Clerodendron serratum and its in-vitro antiproliferative activity

“…When the synthesized AgNPs were tested against EAC, a dramatic increase in cytotoxicity was found. When the concentration of the biosynthesized AgNPs was increased (5,10,20,30,40,50 and 60 μg/ml,) (Fig. 2b) and there was a dose dependent increase in cytotoxicity.…”

“…The plant is used in the management of uterine fibroids and is an important component of the polyherbal Siddha drug-"Rasaganthi Mezhugu" [4,5]. Even though the plant extracts finds use in traditional medicine, lack of sustainable efficacy for the extract, becomes a major impediment in drug development [6] and hence newer methods are required.…”

Methodische Entwicklung von evidenzbasierten Leitlinien am Beispiel der S3-Leitlinie „Diagnostik, Therapie und Nachsorge der Patientin mit Zervixkarzinom“

“…Ein Präparat aus der indischen Siddha-Medizin (Rasagenthi Mezhugu) ergab in präklinischen Untersuchungen Hinweise auf Wirksamkeit in Bezug auf eine DNS-Schädigung und eine vermehrte Apoptose [367].…”

A Review on Anti-Cancer Drugs in Siddha Literatures

“…Large numbers of cancer patients, being already crippled with this disease and further going through the drug-induced toxic side effects are now turning towards the complementary/alternative medicines with the hope for a better cure and good health or at least palliation. Siddha System of Medicine is a time honored and one among the other Indian traditional System of Medicine, like Ayurveda and Unani 2 . Siddhars, the immense scientists, represented the reality of nature all the way through their spiritual knowledge, detailed experience and dedicated observation thrown light on the disease of new growths/lumps and had explained in different chapters about their aetiology, clinical features, pathology and therapeutic aspects in the technique of condensed poems 3 .…”