In vitro cytotoxic assessment of Vitis carnosa (Gomikanda) across six human cancer cell lines using the sulforhodamine B assay

Background: Vitis carnosa Wall., commonly known as Gomikanda (GK), is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant traditionally used for managing digestive, inflammatory, and blood-related disorders. Despite its historical usage, systematic evaluation of its anticancer potential remains scarce. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of GK extract against a panel of human cancer cell lines using the sulforhodamine B assay, with Adriamycin (ADR) as a positive control. Materials and Methods: GK aqueous extract was tested at concentrations of 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL against K-562 (leukemia), MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), A-498 (kidney cancer), COLO-205 (colon cancer), and SK-OV-3 (ovarian cancer) cell lines. Growth inhibition was expressed as percentage control growth, and GI 50 , TGI, and LC 50 values were calculated. Results: GK exhibited mild-to-moderate cytotoxicity in select cell lines, with the most notable effect in K-562 cells (79.5% control growth at 80 μg/mL (71%–84% range across mid-high doses) and MCF-7 cells (~80%–83% growth at 40–80 μg/mL). Mild inhibition was noted in A-498, MDA-MB-231, and COLO-205, while SK-OV-3 displayed borderline mild activity. GI 50 values exceeded 80 μg/mL for all tested lines, indicating low potency compared to ADR, which showed GI 50 <10 μg/mL in all cases. Conclusion: GK demonstrates measurable but limited cytotoxic potential, with activity varying by cancer type. Although not potent as a standalone chemotherapeutic, its mild inhibitory profile and probable safety support further studies on its chemopreventive or adjunctive role in integrative oncology, including phytochemical, mechanistic, synergy, and in vivo evaluations.