Abstract

One extract (TACME) and four fractions (TAF 273, TAF 355, TAF 191 and TAF 401) fromEurycoma longifolia root reported in literature as antimalarial agent were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity activity against two mammalian cell lines (Vero/HS27) which will be use as host for our future antiparasitic activity study. The in vitro cytotoxicity activity was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The CC50 values of TACME, TAF 273, TAF 355, TAF 191 and TAF 401 against Hs27 cell were 2.75, 1.50, 3.75, 2.50 and 2.00 μg/ml, respectively. The extract and all fractions of E. longifolia root tested have high toxicity (CC50 < 20 μg/ml) against Hs27 cells. The Vero cells toxicity levels (CC50) for TAF 273, TAF 355, TAF 191, TAF 401 and TACME were 9.5, 23.5, 5.0, 15.0 and 6.75 µg/ml, respectively. Hence, four of these extract/fractions demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against the cell lines. Moreover, TAF 401 showed lower activity and the TAF 355 fraction did not caused any toxicity against Vero cell lines tested in this study. Based on these results TAF 355 and TAF 401 were suggested for further in vitro toxoplasmicidal evaluation by using Vero cells as host for Toxoplasma gondii.

Key words: Eurycoma longifolia, MTT assay, vero cells, Hs27 cells, cytotoxicity.