Ghanaian Herbal Vikil 20 Shows Promise Against Prostate Cancer Cells — Study

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A Ghanaian herbal preparation, Vikil²⁰, has shown promising antioxidant and cancer-cell growth-inhibiting properties in laboratory experiments, raising prospects for further research into plant-based approaches to managing prostate cancer.

The findings, published in the journal Integrative Cancer Therapies, show that the herbal formulation suppressed the growth, movement and attachment of prostate cancer cells under laboratory conditions.

The study, led by researchers affiliated with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho and the Centre for Plant Medicine Research in Mampong, was published online on May 9, 2024.

The lead researcher, Professor Clement Okraku Tettey, who also serves as the head of department at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, presented the paper at the 3rd scientific conference 2026 organised by the Ghana Armed Forces Health Service on Wednesday.

The conference, which was on the theme “From evidence to impact: bridging the gap between research, policy and practice: was impressively attended by individuals in academia, traditional authorities, medical practitioners, among others.

Vikil²⁰ is a Ghanaian herbal product marketed for immune support and general wellbeing. Its active plant ingredients include Khaya senegalensis, Azadirachta indica (neem) and Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf).

The researchers investigated whether the preparation possessed antioxidant properties and could inhibit the growth and behaviour of prostate cancer cells.

Their experiments found that the product exhibited considerable free-radical scavenging activity, an indicator of its potential to counter oxidative stress. At the highest concentration tested, the preparation neutralised 57.61 per cent of DPPH radicals and 92.88 per cent of ABTS radicals in laboratory assays.

Oxidative stress, which occurs when free radicals overwhelm the body’s protective antioxidant systems, has been implicated in several disease processes, including cancer development and progression.

The study also examined the preparation’s effect on PC-3 cells, a laboratory cell line used to investigate prostate cancer.

After 48 hours of exposure, the researchers recorded a reduction in the viability of the cancer cells to approximately 50.5 per cent at the highest concentration tested.

In comparison, the researchers observed no similar reduction in the viability of the non-cancerous cells used in the experiment. The finding suggests a potentially selective effect, although further research is required to establish whether the preparation is safe for healthy tissues in living organisms.

Beyond its effect on cell growth, Vikil²⁰ also significantly inhibited the movement and attachment of prostate cancer cells in laboratory tests. These processes are relevant to cancer invasion and the spread of malignant cells.

The researchers further observed a modest reduction in the secretion of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), a signalling protein involved in inflammation and processes associated with cancer progression.

The results provide preliminary scientific evidence supporting further investigation into the biological activity of the herbal preparation.

However, the researchers cautioned that additional studies are necessary to establish its safety, identify the molecular mechanisms responsible for the observed effects and determine whether the findings can be reproduced in living organisms.

Laboratory findings are not proof of a cure

Despite the encouraging results, the study does not establish that Vikil²⁰ can prevent, treat or cure prostate cancer in humans.

The experiments were conducted using cells in a laboratory, rather than patients. The concentrations used in the experiments may not be achievable or safe in the human body, and the product’s effectiveness and possible side effects in people remain unestablished.

The researchers recommended further animal studies, toxicological assessments and investigations into the mechanisms through which the preparation affects cancer cells before any conclusions can be drawn about its therapeutic potential.

The findings nevertheless add to scientific efforts to investigate medicinal plants and traditional herbal preparations as possible sources of compounds for future cancer research.

For now, Vikil²⁰ remains a subject for further scientific investigation, and patients should not substitute it for established prostate cancer screening, diagnosis or treatment on the strength of these laboratory findings.

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Ghanaian Herbal Vikil 20 Shows Promise Against Prostate Cancer Cells — Study

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