Dr Justyna Stefanowicz-Hajduk, Department of Biology and Pharmaceutical Botany of the Medical University of Gdańsk will carry out the project “Cytotoxicity of Kalanchoe daigremontiana extract in SKOV-3 human ovarian cancer cells and its activity in vitro with cytostatic drugs used in anti-cancer therapy”.

The scientific research concerns the in vitro cytotoxic effect of the Kalanchoe pinnata plant extract in SKOV-3 human ovarian cancer cells. Kalanchoe pinnata is used in tropical countries as anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, antiviral and regenerative properties. Its anti-cancer effect is still little known.

The aim of the study is to determine the role of selected cell factors in inhibiting the growth, proliferation and death of cancer cells treated with a plant extract. It was financed by the National Science Center as part of the Miniatura competition.