Phytochemical Characterization and Effects of Randia monantha Benth. Leaf and Fruit Extracts on the Viability of Human Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Randia monantha, commonly known as crucetillo, is a medicinal plant traditionally used in Mexico to treat conditions such as diabetes, venomous animal bites, and cancer; however, its effects on cancer cell viability remain underexplored. In this study, hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanolic extracts from the leaves and fruits of Randia monantha were phytochemically characterized and evaluated for their effects on cell viability in HeLa cervical cancer and DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. Phytochemical analyses revealed differences in metabolite composition across solvents of varying polarity and plant tissues. Methanolic leaf extracts contained higher levels of terpenoids and polyphenols and produced the greatest reduction in HeLa cell viability, with an estimated IC50 of 4.87 µg/mL after 48 h of treatment. In contrast, DU-145 cells exhibited a different response pattern depending on the extract evaluated. Correlation analysis suggested that flavonoids were associated with reduced HeLa cell viability. Overall, leaf extracts produced greater reductions in cancer cell viability than fruit extracts, highlighting leaves as a promising but comparatively underexplored source of bioactive compounds in Randia monantha.