Morphological identification and cytotoxicity evaluation of various well-known Bajakah from Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Bajakah refers to a type of liana plant usually utilized in the traditional medication of the Dayak ethnic, Indonesia. The popularity of bajakah is rising in parallel with the spread of information regarding its potential for cancer treatment, specifically breast cancer. However, the information is not supported by reliable scientific evidence. This study aims to identify various bajakah through morphological analysis and evaluation of their cytotoxic activity against 4T1 breast cancer cells. Eight collection numbers of bajakah were collected from natural habitats and markets. Species were identified through direct morphological observations, photographs, and literature studies. The toxicity test was carried out in vitro on 4T1 cells using the MTT assay method utilizing water and ethanol extracts. In addition, phytochemical screening was performed by the TLC method. This study obtained five species of the eight bajakah samples, including two species belonging to Uncaria cf. gambir (W.Hunter) Roxb., Willughbeia cf. angustifolia (Miq.) Markgr., Uncaria cf. cordata (Lor.) Merr, Mucuna biplicate Teijsm. & Binn. Ex Kurz, while the other three samples were not identified. But it is suspected that the three difficult samples to identify are of the Uncaria genus. The ethanol extract of W. cf. angustifolia, with an IC₅₀ of 97.9±13.9 µg/mL, exhibited anti-cancer potential in an in vitro cytotoxic test against 4T1 breast cancer cells. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the majority of the eight bajakah samples contained flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, stigmasterols, and steroids. The finding is expected to increase public knowledge and awareness about bajakah for traditional treatment.