Phytochemistry test and cytotoxic effect of sarang semut (myrmecodiapendans) extract towards colon widr cell line

Background: In Indonesia, Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in males and third most common in females. Like other types of cancer, the main treatment is a series of chemotherapies. On the other hand, it is known that a proportion of “low-class” Indonesians, those who earns less than 1 million rupiah per month, in the economical aspect (58%) prefers the use of herbal medicine instead of conventional treatments. Hence, the research and development of cancer drugs from herbal materials such as Sarang Semut (Myrmecodiapendans) is vital. Objective: To analyze phytochemical component and cytotoxicity of Sarang Semut (Myrmecodiapendans)towards colon Wi Drcell line. Methods: Sarang Semut (Myrmecodiapendans) was macerated by solvents N-Hexane, Ethyl Acetate, and Ethanol and analyzed through phytochemical tests and thin layer chromatography (TLC). In addition, the cytotoxicity effect of all three extracts were analyzed towards WiDr colon cancer cell using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) Assay. Results: Sarang Semut (Myrmecodiapendans) contains secondary metabolites Saponin, Flavonoid, Tannin, Triterpenoid, and Alkaloid. TLC analysis revealed that all three extracts of Myrmecodiapendans had six chemical compounds. MTT Assay revealed ethylacetate and ethanol extracts of Myrmecodiapendans had no cytotoxic effect towards WiDr colon cancer cells, whereas n-hexane extract of Sarang Semut (Myrmecodiapendans) had strong cytotoxic effect towards WiDr colon cancer cells. Conclusion: N-hexane extract of Sarang Semut (Myrmecodiapendans) is a promising candidate for development of new anti-colon cancer drug.