In vitro assessments of cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of Asparagus aphyllus, Crataegus aronia, and Ephedra alata in monocultures and co-cultures of Hepg2 and THP-1-derived macrophages

Abstract

Introduction: Herbal-based medicines are widely used for the prevention and treatments of diverse diseases especially in growing countries as well as many developed countries. Although some of herbal-based medicines have promising therapeutic properties, many of them remain untested and their safety and efficacy were not scientifically assessed. Based on knowledge from traditional Greco-Arab herbal medicine, this in vitro study aims to evaluate cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of three traditionally used anti-diabetic and anti-...