Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents one of the most prevalent and fatal malignancies worldwide, contributing significantly to global cancer-related mortality. Despite advances in chemotherapy, existing treatments often exhibit limited efficacy and severe adverse effects. Traditional Ayurvedic preparations such as Palash Kshara , derived from the bark of Butea monosperma , possess Ksharana (corrosive) and Shodhana (purifying) properties that may contribute to potential anticancer activity. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic potential of Palash Kshara against human HCC cells and compare its activity with the standard chemotherapeutic drug 5-Fluorouracil. Methods: Palash Kshara was prepared according to the classical Ayurvedic method described in Sharangadhara Samhita and authenticated botanically. Physicochemical parameters were evaluated following AYUSH standards. The cytotoxic activity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay on HepG2 cell lines at the concentrations of 10, 40, and 100 µg/ml. Cell viability percentages were calculated and statistically analyzed to determine the dose-dependent effects. Results: Palash Kshara demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells. The observed cell viability percentages were 75.03%, 47.96%, and 32.05% at the concentrations of 10, 40, and 100 µg/ml, respectively. The results indicate a progressive reduction in cell viability with increasing concentration, suggesting potential antiproliferative activity. Conclusion: The findings indicate that Palash Kshara exhibits promising cytotoxic effects against HCC cells in vitro . These results support further investigation of this Ayurvedic preparation as a potential complementary or alternative therapeutic candidate for liver cancer management.
Sawale et al. (Thu,) studied this question.