ENHANCED ANTINEOPLASTIC ACTIVITY OF Achyrocline satureioides (LAM.) DC EXTRACT, PURE AND IN COMBINATION WITH A POTENTIATING SOLUTION

Achyrocline satureioides, a medicinal plant widely used in Brazilian traditional medicine for diverse healing applications, has been underexplored for its potential anticancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor potential of A. satureioides extract on SK-Mel-28 melanoma cells, using an innovative approach devised by the authors that involves a potentiating solution of iron dextran to enhance the efficacy of bioactive and anticancer agents. The extract was characterized for its phytochemical composition, antioxidant effect, and anticancer activity. The anticancer activity was assessed for various concentrations of the extract, both with and without the iron dextran potentiating solution. The analysis revealed a high concentration of total phenolics and flavonoids in the extract, along with moderate antioxidant activity. Notably, the extract exhibited substantial anticancer activity, markedly reducing cell proliferation and influencing several cancer-related markers, especially at a concentration of 500 μg in combination with the potentiating solution. Importantly, the treatment exhibited no toxicity to healthy cells, showing selective cytotoxicity and robust anticancer potential of A. satureioides, particularly when combined with the iron dextran solution. This study represents the inaugural report of the potentiating effect of A. satureioides as a promising candidate for further cancer treatment research.