Abstract 1558 Effect of Natural Remedy Use on Women's Health

Before the arrival of Western medicine, many cultures relied on natural medicines, a practice that continues today (World Health Organization, 2023).These remedies have been passed down through generations to maintain health and treat illnesses.This study aimed to examine the use of natural remedies across different continents, identify common remedies, and investigate the effect of chamomile on breast cancer cells in vitro.The MSMU GWSTEM Program collected data from women living in rural areas of India, Peru, Argentina, and Kenya, focusing on their use of natural remedies, diet, and overall health.The use of natural remedies varied by country: less than 40% of women in Argentina and India reported using natural remedies, compared to over 85% in Peru and Kenya.The most common remedies were Ayurveda in India, sage in Peru, chamomile in Argentina, and aloe in Kenya.This research explored the anti-cancer potential of different chamomile extracts-flower, liquid, and pill-on MCF-7 breast cancer cells.The data showed that all chamomile extracts reduced breast cancer cell viability, particularly at higher concentrations.The flower extract reduced cell viability by more than 80%, while the pill and liquid extracts reduced it by about 20%.A cytotoxicity assay indicated that the treatments were not highly cytotoxic, with the highest average cytotoxicity being approximately 5%.In conclusion, chamomile treatments decrease breast cancer cell viability and are not significantly cytotoxic.Further investigation is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms behind chamomile's effects.