This research proposal aims to study the effect of active ingredients from Solanum torvum (Devil's fig) for treating malignant melanoma cells. The researcher plans to produce extracts from the plant's roots, leaves, and fruits to test for components that can replace chemotherapy and reduce side effects. A Mosaic Blue Assay technique will be used to test the extracts on cultured melanoma cells in a controlled environment over 4 days. The results will measure cell growth to identify the most effective extract in reducing cancer cell proliferation. If an extract stops or reduces cell growth by at least 1%, it may help treat patients.

1. University of Puerto Rico at Cayey,
Biology Department
Research Proposal
John Edward Muñoz Torres 804-12-5027
I. Title:
Effect Of Active Ingredients Of Solanumtorvum (Devil’s Fig) For The Treatment Of
Malignant Melanoma Cells
II. Abstract:
Malignant melanoma is a possibly fatal disease if not diagnosed in time. Treatment for this
cancer includes removal of the tumor and chemotherapy. The Solanumtorvumis a plant
that grows rapidly that is known to have healing properties on diverse skin diseases and
treatment of diabetes. Is there a way to treat malignant melanoma with diverse extracts of
Solanumtorvum? By producing multiple extracts using fresh plant components(the roots,
leaves, and fruit), since dry components lose their essential chemical base, we can find an
active ingredient capable of replacing the chemotherapy used for treatment reducing the
mayor side effects patients face when exposed. A technique known as Mosaic Blue Assay
will be used since it determines the possibility of effectiveness on a person in the
controlled environment of in vitro.
III. Introduction:
Solanumtorvum(Devil’s fig) is a highly toxic fruit when consumed in high quantities.This
plant is green when fresh and turns a yellow color when ripe. The shrub is usually two to
three meters in height with a base diameter of five centimeters. This fruit is known to lower
blood pressure, and good for the treatment of diabetes. Another function of the fruit in
Yucatan is for the treatment of diverse skin diseases. Many different cultures have their
use for this plant that is found in most tropical climates including Hawaii, Florida, Mexico,
and Puerto Rico. Devil’s fig with this trait could be used for the treatment of epithelial skin
diseases, such as malignant melanoma cancer.

2. IV. Methodology
Solanumtorvum is being used for this experiment due to its capacity to reproduce at high
speeds in great quantities. This plant is also known to have many medicinal properties in
different countries. There will be multiple extracts of the plant using the roots, leaves and
fruit in a fresh state, if dried it loses most of its chemical base not permitting for a controlled
experiment. Mosaic Blue Assay is a procedure that allows for one to have multiple cultures
that are divided mechanically into designated regions in the soft agar, with different
experimental groups in a controlled environment the extracts are added and cultivated
over a period of 4 days. The Blue dye is added to determine the quantity of cells that
survived to the extract allowing for easier identification. This procedure also verifies if the
treatment used on the cells will be effective on the patient. In case the extract does not
stop or reduce the growth of the malignant melanoma cells the experiment will have less
than 1 percent of success on the patient.
V. Results:
After the completion of the four days, the growth of the cells will be measured and the
different extracts compared to see which one was more productive in the reduction of
growth on the malignant melanoma cells.
VI. References:
Mosaic Laboratories [internet]. [2010] Lake Forest (CA):
Mosaic Laboratories; [cited 2012 July 5] Available in:
http://www.mosaiclabs.com/pics/tests/blue-array.jpg
Philippines medicinal plants [internet]. [2012]
Philippines medicinal plants; [cited 2012 July 5] Available in:
http://www.stuartxchange.com/TandangAso.html
American Cancer Society [internet]. [2012]
American Cancer Society [cited 2012 July 6] Available in:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/SunandUVExposure/skin-cancer-facts
MedicineNet.com [internet]. [N/A]
MedicineNet.com [cited 2012 July 6] Available in:
http://www.medicinenet.com/melanoma/article.htm
United States Department of Agriculture [internet]. [N/A]
United Stated Department of Agriculture [cited 2012 July 7] Available in:
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=SOTO4