Analysis of in vitro activity of high dilutions of Euphorbia tirucalli L. in human melanoma cells

Aveloz (firestick cactus; Euphorbia tirucalli L.) belongs to Euphorbiaceae family, characterized by the production of a toxic latex that has corrosive effects on the skin and mucous membranes. Continual topic use of the latex is recommended by popular medicine to treat warts, and epitheliomas. To validate this indication, ultra diluted latex and homeopathic medicine Euphorbia tirucalli were tested in vitro on the proliferation of melanoma cells. Ultra diluted latex was prepared in homeopathic dilutions 5cH, 15cH and 30cH by dilution and agitation (trituration for solid and sucussion for liquid phases) using 70º GL (Gay Lussac) ethylic alcohol (70º GL EtOH 70ºGL) as inert medium according to the guidelines in Farmacopéia Homeopática Brasileira (FHB). Homeopathic medicine Euphorbia tirucalli was prepared from mother-tincture according to the centesimal Hahnemannian method. Solutions 0.5% and 5% of 70ºGL EtOH were succussed and used as control. Human melanoma cells were cultured, treated and monitored by method MTT for 24 to 72 hours. It was observed that 0.5% 70ºGL EtOH solution had little or no effect on the proliferation of melanoma cells (5.1% maximal inhibition in dilution 30cH). Positive correlation was observed in most groups between inhibition of proliferation and diluted preparations, maximal increase (9%) was seen in with 5% latex. Moreover, mother-tincture proved to be more active than latex; treatment with 0.5% solution of latex 30cH exhibited 19.7% inhibition, whereas treatment with 0.5% solution of Euphorbia tirucalli 30cH exhibited 32.1% inhibition of cell proliferation (p