Anticancer activity and toxicity of decoction of Ipomoea batatas leaves and Milicia excelsa roots used in cancer

Medicinal plants are an integral part of the healthcare system in Africa. In traditional medicine, a mixture of Ipomoea batatas leaves and Milicia excelsa roots is used to treat cancer, mostly breast and colon cancer. It can be used on its own or with other common cancer treatments. While popular belief assumes that medicinal plants, being natural, are healthier than conventional medicines, scientific studies have shown that plants can induce serious adverse effects and influence a patient's prognosis. In order to regulate its use, a literature review of the information available on the composition, toxicity and anti-cancer properties of the decoction of Ipomoea batatas leaves and Milicia excelsa roots was carried out in December 2024. To date, there are no scientific publications on the composition, toxicity and anticancer activity of the decoction of extracts of Ipomoea batatas leaves and Milicia excelsa roots. However, the leaves of Ipomoea batatas and the roots of Milicia excelsa, taken separately, are very rich in secondary metabolites which have been shown to be effective against several types of cancer. In terms of toxicity, Ipomoea batatas leaves are best tolerated at doses of 10 to 100 mg/kg. The roots of Milicia excelsa have not been the subject of repeated-dose toxicity studies. This review of the literature revealed a lack of data, particularly in terms of safety, which prevented the formulation of recommendations concerning its use. To find out more about the safety and effectiveness of using a mixture of Ipomoea batatas leaves and Milicia excelsa roots to treat cancer, more research needs to be done. Keywords: Anticancer activity, toxicity, Ipomoea batatas, Milicia excelsa.