Rasagenthi Mezhugu (RGM) is a herbomineral formulation in the Siddha system of
traditional medicine and is prescribed in the southern parts of India as a remedy for all kinds of
cancers. However, scientific evidence for its therapeutic efficacy in
cervical cancer is lacking, and it contains
heavy metals. To overcome these limitations, RGM was extracted, and the fractions were tested on HPV-positive
cervical cancer cells, ME-180 and SiHa. The extracts, free from the toxic
heavy metals, affected the viability of both the cells. The
chloroform fraction (cRGM) induced DNA damage and apoptosis. Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis was indicated. Though both the cells responded to the treatment, ME-180 was more responsive. Thus, this study brings up scientific evidence for the efficacy of RGM against the HPV-mediated
cervical cancer cells and, if the toxic
heavy metals are the limitation in its use, cRGM would be a suitable candidate as evidence-based complementary and
alternative medicine for HPV-positive
cervical cancers.