Evaluation of Anticancer Activity of Solvent Fractions of <i>Croton megalocarpus</i> Against Human Cervical Adenocarcinoma Cell Line (HeLa)

Background Croton megalocarpus has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, but its potential anticancer effects remain underexplored. This study evaluates the cytotoxicity of its solvent fractions against HeLa cells to identify its most potent anticancer fraction. Methods The dichloromethane (CMDE), ethyl acetate (CMEE), and methanol (CMME) fractions of C. megalocarpus were tested for cytotoxicity using MTT and clonogenic assays. Lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress. The surviving fraction was calculated based on plating efficiency, and statistical analyses were applied to validate findings. Results CMEE exhibited the most potent cytotoxic activity, showing a dose-dependent reduction in HeLa cell survival. At 320 µg/ml CMEE, the surviving fraction was reduced by 88% (p &lt; 0.0001). DOX, used as a positive control, showed a comparable cytotoxic effect. Increased lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion further indicated oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that CMEE exerts significant anticancer activity through oxidative stress induction and inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation. These results support its potential as a source of novel anticancer agents, warranting further mechanistic and in vivo studies.