Antimitotic activity of Anahaw (Saribus rotundifolius, Lam. Blume) leaf crude extract topical gel

Wency Uriel A. Reyes, Kiana Marie Ascura, Karen Mae Malacad, Francis Joseph Gabinete, Irish Angela Patron & Laurence R. Tapican

Volume 2 Issue 1, March 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the antimitotic properties of a topical gel formulated from the crude leaf extract of anahaw (Saribus rotundifolius Lam. Blume). Anahaw leaves contain bioactive compounds such as saponins, cardiac glycosides, and flavonoids, which are known for their antiproliferative properties and potential role in preventing abnormal cell development. The crude extract was incorporated into a topical gel formulation and evaluated for biological activity using the meristematic onion (Allium cepa) root tip assay. The leaves of Saribus rotundifolius were extracted and screened for the presence of phytochemical constituents, including alkaloids, saponins, carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, and cardiac glycosides. The antimitotic activity of both the crude leaf extract and the formulated topical gel was assessed by determining the mitotic index (MI) using the onion root tip assay. The mitotic index served as a quantitative indicator of mitotic activity, with lower MI values indicating greater inhibition of cell division. Among all treatments, methotrexate (positive control) consistently demonstrated the strongest antimitotic effect, producing the lowest mean MI values. In contrast, distilled water (negative control) showed the highest MI values, indicating minimal inhibition of mitotic activity. Among the test samples, the crude leaf extract topical gel treatments showed varying inhibitory effects. Treatment C exhibited the most pronounced antimitotic activity, approaching the effectiveness of methotrexate, while Treatments A and B showed moderate reductions in mitotic activity. The results suggest that Saribus rotundifolius leaf extract, particularly in Treatment C, has significant antimitotic potential. This study highlights anahaw as a promising natural source of antimitotic compounds with possible anticancer applications.

Keywords

Author information & Contribution

Wency Uriel A. Reyes. Corresponding author. Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student, Saint Gabriel College - School of Pharmacy, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Email: reyesuriel415@gmail.com

Kiana Marie Ascura. Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student, Saint Gabriel College - School of Pharmacy, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.

Karen Mae Malacad. Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student, Saint Gabriel College - School of Pharmacy, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.

Francis Joseph Gabinete. Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student, Saint Gabriel College - School of Pharmacy, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.

Irish Angela Patron. Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy student, Saint Gabriel College - School of Pharmacy, Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.

Laurence R. Tapican. Registered Pharmacist. Faculty member, Saint Gabriel College - School of Pharmacy.

Disclosure statement

Funding

Institutional Review Board Statement

The conduct of this study was approved by Saint Gabriel College. All experiments were carried out at the Pharmacy and Research Laboratories of Saint Gabriel College (PRL-SGC) under the strict supervision and guidance of the school authorities. All participants involved in the trial were asked to sign an informed consent form and were informed of the potential risks. Strict supervision and assistance were provided throughout the trial in case of emergencies.

Data and Materials Availability

AI Declaration

Notes

Acknowledgement

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Cite this article:

Reyes, W.U.A., Ascura, K.M., Malacad, K.M., Gabinete, F.J., Patron, I.A. & Tapican, L.R. (2026). Antimitotic activity of Anahaw (Saribus rotundifolius, Lam. Blume) leaf crude extract topical gel. Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Medical Research, 2(1), 21-51. https://doi.org/10.53378/jahsmr.353340