Luis A. Estrella Matos, B.S.
Jennifer Sánchez Maldonado, B.S.
Juan A. Negrón Berríos, Ph.D.
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Barranquitas Campus
Bryophyllum pinnatum is a medicinal plant commonly used as traditional medicine to cure various infections, intestinal diseases, heal wounds and other conditions. However, its anti-cancer properties have been poorly defined. In view of the broad spectrum of therapeutic potential of Bryophyllum pinnaum and the absence of anti-cancer therapies for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer, in this study we will examine the anti-cancer properties of its leaf extracts. . Using four homogenates of Bryophyllum pinnatum leaf extracts with ethyl acetate, acetone, chloroform and methanol/chloroform, we will examine the inhibitory effect of these leaf extracts with different solvents on colorectal cancer cell lines (HCT- 116 of ATCC@). To measure the inhibitory effect, we will use 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). This MTT assay is based on the conversion of MTT to crystals that will form in living cells, which determines mitochondrial activity. As in most cell populations, mitochondrial activity is related to the number of viable cells, to determine which component of the extract is responsible for the inhibitory effect, we will use UV, visible and infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography. Therefore, we hope that our study demonstrates the presence of anti-cancer properties in Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves that can be further investigated as potential anti-cancer agents.>
Anarilis Negrón Santini, B.S.
Juan A. Negrón Berríos, Ph.D.
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
Barranquitas Campus