The Anti-Mitotic Property Of Ficus odorata (Blanco) Merr Ethanolic Leaf Crude Extract

Ficus odorata (Blanco) Merr. also known as Pakiling and has a local name of Is-is is a medicinal plant found in some areas of Luz n. According to journals and literatures, Ficus odorata (Blanco) Merr. has biological and pharmacological activities. Ethanolic crude extract of Is-is leaves were tested for its anti-mitotic potential. Three different assays were used for this study, the Phytochemical Analysis, Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay and Allium cepa Assay Macroscopic Evaluation. The phytochemical analysis showed that Is-is plant is very abundant in plant constituents such as Sterols, Triterpens, Alkaloids, Saponins, Flavonoids and Glycosides that strongly contribute in treating cancerous cells. For the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay, six treatments were used (100 µg/ml, 50 µg/ml, 25 µg/ml, 12. 5 µg/ml, and 2 controls: positive: Potassium dichromate and negative: 1% Dimethyl sulfoxide). The results for the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay showed its lethal concentration (LC) 50 at 46 µg/ml. The result also implies that the Ficus odorata (Blanco) Merr. leaves extract is moderately toxic. For the Allium cepa Assay Macroscopic Evaluation, 5 treatments were used (100mg/ml, 50mg/ml, 25mg/ml, 12. 5mg/ml, and negative control: 1% Dimethyl sulfoxide) then the obtained effective concentration (EC) 50 is 96 µg/ml where in this amount of concentration inhibits the growth of onion roots.

The different concentrations of the plant extracts showed varying levels of anti-mitotic activity. The researchers recommend conducting further studies about the plant constituents of the plant materials since it showed a big potential in preventing angiogenesis and mitosis. Our ancestors are fond of finding such ways of treating various ailments through the miracle of nature. The indigenous Aetas of Bataan make their way of survival by practicing the habit of being one with our environment. One of the most known jewels of their tribal aid is the usage of Ficus odorata (Blanco) Merr. locally known as Pakiling or Is-is plant. It is a small tree reaching a height of only nine meters and is widely distributed through the areas of Luzon especially in Bataan and Laguna. Allergy, asthma, diarrhea, diabetes and folks say, even cancer and tumor are the various ailments Is-is plant can cure. Natives commonly use this plant as an alternative steel wool for cleaning kitchen utensils because of its extremely rough surface. People also call it a good and priceless companion when it comes to polishing things. However, studies regarding Ficus odorata (Blanco) Merr. suggest its prooxidant, cytotoxic, genotoxic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and anticancer properties. Experimentations regarding the teratogenicity of Pakiling plant are also present in scientific field and strongly prove that this endemic plant has a big help in treating tumors.

Cancer is a complex disease since it is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of cells despite restriction of nutrients and space. It can involve any tissues in the body since cancer cells can metastasize through other parts of the body through blood and lymph system. It can promote invasion by means of an overactive cell cycle and in turn cellular division which is targeted by antimitotic drugs. Anti-mitotic agents are commonly known and are vastly used in treating cancer. Microtubule toxins and vinca alkaloids are one of the traditional anti-mitotic agents that were clinically able to perform positive results. These agents have also been considered a highly validated chemotherapy agents since it targets the overactive cell cycle and so the cellular division. Anti-mitotic agents disrupt the mitosis in a cell cycle. Mitosis is the process in cell division by which the nucleus divides, typically consisting of four stages, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, and normally resulting in two new nuclei, each of which contains a complete copy of the parental chromosomes.