Date Posted: July 24, 2026

Author/s: Kenneth Go, Yari Margarette B. De Leon, Leonardo Isidro C. Estrella, Yssabelle Nicole J. Flores, Princez Nina G. Guinto, Colline Kastrn Mataya, Julianna C. Mendoza, Maria Ayen M. Ondoy, Renato I. Dalmacio RPh, MSPharm, Jebb Patrick M. Delos Santos RPh MPH

Introduction: Breast cancer was among the most prevalent diseases globally in 2022, accounting for 31.2% of all cancer diagnoses in the Philippines—the highest across both sexes (GLOBOCAN, 2024). This study investigated the antioxidant and antiproliferative potential of Hoya meliflua Merr. (Wax plant) and Telosma procumbens (Latok) against breast cancer.

Method: This study utilized an experimental research design, wherein this study characterized the therapeutic potentials of Hoya meliflua Merr. (Wax Plant) and Telosma procumbens (Latok). The methodology included qualitative determination of the phytochemical constituents and extraction of triterpenoid metabolites, with functional groups identified via Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Total Triterpenoid Content (TTC) was quantified, while biological efficacy was evaluated invitro through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays to assess potential antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.

Results and Discussion: From the analysis of phytochemical properties of Hoya meliflua Merr. (Wax Plant) and Telosma procumbens (Latok), the two were found to contain alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannin, and triterpenoids; Hoya meliflua Merr. (Wax Plant) contained fixed oil and Telosma procumbens (Latok) contained volatile oil. From the FTIR analysis, it was found out that the two samples contained functional groups such as hydroxyl group, aromatic double bond, and methyl groups; hence, indicating similarity in chemical composition in both species from the same plant family (Apocynaceae). It was discovered that Telosma procumbens (Latok) sample contained higher amounts of triterpenoid compounds (104.27 mg UAE/g extract) compared to Hoya meliflua Merr. (Wax Plant) sample (34.67 mg UAE/g extract). From the DPPH radical scavenging activity, Telosma procumbens (Latok) sample showed better antioxidant activity (IC50 value = 335.47) as compared to Hoya meliflua Merr. (Wax Plant) sample (IC50 value = 10,042.39). Antioxidant activity was dependent on concentration. Extracts of both samples: Hoya meliflua Merr. (Wax Plant) and Telosma procumbens (Latok) had antiproliferative effects; with the highest percentage inhibition recorded at 11.51% at 128 μg/mL. IC50 was however the IC50 value was not attained within the tested concentration range.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the phytochemical composition and bioactivity of triterpenoids extracted from the leaves of Hoya meliflua Merr. and Telosma procumbens, demonstrating their potential as natural antioxidants, with Telosma procumbens showing higher triterpenoid content. Also, Telosma procumbens demonstrated modest antiproliferative properties against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, suggesting a pharmacological basis for future research.

Keywords: triterpenoids, antioxidant, antiproliferative