AKTIVITAS SITOTOKSIK EKSTRAK ETIL ASETAT DAUN AKAR KAIK-KAIK (Uncaria cordata (Lour.) Merr) PADA SEL KANKER SERVIKS HeLa

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide and is a highly prevalent disease in developing countries. Efforts to prevent and treat cervical cancer continue to be developed, one of which is through the use of natural ingredients that have anticancer activity. This study aims to determine the cytotoxic activity of ethyl acetate extracts of Kaik-Kaik root leaves (Uncaria cordata (Lour.) Merr) against HeLa cervical cancer cells in vitro. Kaik-Kaik root leaves were extracted using a stepwise maceration method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol solvents. The ethyl acetate extract was then tested for its cytotoxic activity using the MTT assay at various concentrations. Phytochemical screening results showed the presence of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and terpenoids that play a role in biological activity. Cytotoxicity test results showed that the ethyl acetate extract had very strong potential with an IC₅₀ value of 0.524 μg/mL, which is classified as highly toxic to cancer cells. These findings indicate that Uncaria cordata has the potential to be developed as a herbal-based anticancer agent. This study is expected to contribute to the development of safer, more effective, and more affordable alternative therapies for cervical cancer patients.