Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of the extracts and fractions of Eriocaulon cinereum against HeLa and Vero cell lines, which represent cervical cancer and normal cells, respectively. In addition, a phytochemical screening was carried out to determine the chemical constituents in the extracts and the active fractions.

Materials and Methods: The extracts of E. cinereum were obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction method using n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol, successively. The active extract was fractionated using vacuum liquid chromatography with dichloromethane followed by ethyl acetate. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay method and was measured using microplate reader at the wavelength 595 nm. The data were analyzed with PROBIT from SPSS 16 for Windows®. In addition, phytochemical screening was performed using standard procedures.

Results: The cytotoxic evaluation of the extracts of E. cinereum showed that the ethyl acetate extract was the most active extract against HeLa cell line with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 580.07 μg/ml. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions from the active extract of E. cinereum exhibited cytotoxic activity against HeLa cell with the IC50 values of 466.61 μg/ml and 267.34 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, the ethyl acetate fraction showed a low cytotoxic effect against Vero cell line. The phytochemical screening of the ethyl acetate fraction indicated the presence of terpenoids and alkaloids.

Conclusion: This finding revealed the anticancer potential of E. cinereum and warranted further investigation for the discovery of new anticancer agents from natural resources for cervical cancer.