P01.16. A root extract of Helleborus niger possess cytotoxic properties in neuroblastoma cells

Purpose Helleborus niger (Ranunculaceae), commonly known as Christmas rose, is used in anthroposophically extended cancer therapy in the adjuvant treatment of different entities and reduction of chemotherapy-associated side effects. Although Helleborus niger is widely used in anthroposophic medicine, there is a lack of scientific clinical and preclinical data and until now it is applied on an empirical basis. Neuroblastoma is one of the most common extracranial solid tumors of childhood, and more than 50 % of these children initially present with nonresectable primary tumors and disseminated metastasis to distant organ sites, predominantly bone marrow. In this study, we determined for the first time the cytotoxic properties of Helleborus niger Root (HNR) extract for neuroblastoma in vitro.