Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Potential of Homeopathic Lycopodium Clavatum 200C Against Human Colorectal Carcinoma (HCT116) Cell Line Using MTT Assay

Abstract

Background: Ultra-diluted preparations have gained scientific attention in cancer biology, where established cell-line models enable objective evaluation of cellular responses. This study assessed the effect of Lycopodium Clavatum 200C on HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells using a standardized MTT assay.

Methods: HCT116 cells were exposed to graded concentrations of Lycopodium Clavatum 200C for 24 hours under standard culture conditions, and cell viability was quantified by MTT reduction. IC₅₀ values were obtained by non-linear regression, with cisplatin included as a reference standard.

Results: Lycopodium Clavatum 200C produced a dose-dependent reduction in HCT116 viability, with an IC₅₀ of 17.83 µL under the assay conditions. Cisplatin showed an IC₅₀ of 99.66 µg/mL; the differing units reflect distinct dosing schemes rather than direct potency equivalence. Morphological assessment confirmed reduced adherent cell density at higher concentrations.

Conclusion: Lycopodium Clavatum 200C elicited a measurable biological response in a colorectal cancer cell model, demonstrated by reduced cell viability and supportive morphological changes. These preliminary findings justify further mechanistic and comparative studies on potentized preparations in cancer cell systems, while recognizing that translational implications require additional investigation.