Prof. Clement Okraku Tettey
A Ghanaian herbal preparation, Vikil²⁰, has demonstrated promising antioxidant and cancer-cell growth-inhibiting properties in laboratory experiments, raising prospects for further research into plant-based approaches to prostate cancer management.
The findings, published in the journal ‘Integrative Cancer Therapies’, show that the formulation suppressed the growth, movement and attachment of prostate cancer cells under laboratory conditions.
The study, led by researchers affiliated with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho and the Centre for Plant Medicine Research in Mampong, was published online on May 9, 2024.
The paper was presented by lead researcher Prof. Clement Okraku Tettey, who is Head of Department at UHAS, at the 3rd Scientific Conference 2026 organised by the Ghana Armed Forces Health Service on Wednesday.
The conference was held on the theme, “From evidence to impact: Bridging the gap between research, policy and practice,” and was attended by academics, traditional authorities and medical practitioners.
Vikil²⁰ is a Ghanaian herbal product marketed for immune support and general wellbeing. Its active plant ingredients include Khaya senegalensis, Azadirachta indica (neem) and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf).
The researchers investigated whether the preparation possesses antioxidant properties and can inhibit the growth and behaviour of prostate cancer cells.
Their experiments found that the product exhibited considerable free-radical scavenging activity. At the highest concentration tested, it neutralised 57.61 per cent of DPPH radicals and 92.88 per cent of ABTS radicals.
Oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals overwhelm the body’s antioxidant systems, has been implicated in several disease processes, including cancer development and progression.
The study also examined the effect of the preparation on PC-3 cells, a laboratory cell line used to investigate prostate cancer.
After 48 hours of exposure, the viability of the cancer cells reduced to about 50.5 per cent at the highest concentration tested.
In comparison, no similar reduction was observed in non-cancerous cells used in the experiment. The finding suggests a potentially selective effect, although further research is needed to establish whether the preparation is safe for healthy tissues in living organisms.
Beyond cell growth, Vikil²⁰ also significantly inhibited the movement and attachment of prostate cancer cells, processes relevant to cancer invasion and spread.
The researchers further observed a modest reduction in the secretion of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a signalling protein involved in inflammation and cancer progression.
The results provide preliminary scientific evidence supporting further investigation into the biological activity of the herbal preparation.
However, the researchers cautioned that additional studies are required to establish its safety, identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the observed effects, and determine whether the findings can be reproduced in living organisms.
Laboratory Findings Not Proof Of Cure
Despite the encouraging results, the study does not establish that Vikil²⁰ can prevent, treat or cure prostate cancer in humans.
The experiments were conducted on cells in the laboratory and not on patients. The concentrations used may not be achievable or safe in the human body, and the product’s effectiveness and possible side effects in humans remain unestablished.
The researchers recommended further animal studies, toxicological assessments and investigations into the mechanisms of action before any conclusions can be drawn about its therapeutic potential.
The findings add to scientific efforts to investigate medicinal plants and traditional herbal preparations as possible sources of compounds for future cancer research.
For now, Vikil²⁰ remains a subject for further scientific investigation, and patients should not substitute it for established prostate cancer screening, diagnosis or treatment on the strength of these laboratory findings.
A Daily Guide Report