<![CDATA[Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer with a high potential for metastasis and resistance to conventional therapies, highlighting the need for safer and more effective treatment alternatives. Natural products, particularly plant-derived compounds, have gained attention as promising sources of anticancer agents. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of the aqueous fraction of cashew leaves (Anacardium occidentale L.) against melanoma in vitro. Anticancer activity was assessed through cytotoxicity and cell migration assays. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the MTT assay on A-375 melanoma cells, while selectivity was evaluated using normal HaCaT keratinocyte cells. Antimetastatic activity was examined using a scratch wound healing assay to determine the ability of the fraction to inhibit cancer cell migration. The results demonstrated that the aqueous fraction exhibited cytotoxic activity against melanoma cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 184.29 ± 3.16 µg/mL, and showed good selectivity toward normal cells (SI = 6.68). Furthermore, the fraction significantly inhibited melanoma cell migration after 24 hours of treatment, indicating potential antimetastatic activity. This effect may be attributed to the presence of flavonoid and phenolic compounds, which are known to induce apoptosis and reduce oxidative stress. In conclusion, the aqueous fraction of A. occidentale leaves shows promising potential as a natural anticancer agent and may serve as a candidate for adjunctive therapy in melanoma treatment. KEYWORDS: Anticancer; MTT cytotoxicity; cashew leaves; cell migration.]]>
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