Multi-Purpose Medicinal Plants (J\.1J'v1Ps) are gaining nnprecedented attention apparently because
of their potency to contribute to the prevention and treatment of myriads of diseases. As such the toxicity of
many herbs including the J\.1J'v1Ps has always been a concern particularly relating to internal organs. The present
study investigates the local knowledge use and in vitro cytotoxicity against two cancer cell lines; BGC-823 and
HeLa cells on three (MMPs); Moringo oleifero (Lam) (Moringaceae) Androgrophis poniculoto (Burm. f) and
Asystasia vogeliana (Benth) (Acanthaceae). The local knowledge was collated through Participatory Rural
Appraisal (PRA) approach from selected locations in the Oke-Ogrm area of Oyo state, Nigeria. Ethanolic extracts
were used for the in vitro cytotoxicity study. The extracts were screened in two cancer cell lines (BGC-823 and
HeLa cells) using the Sulpha Rhodamine B (SRB) assay. For the treatment of diseases, the local knowledge
shows that A. poniculoto recorded higher fidelity level on the treatment of malaria (95% ), diabetes (80% ), high
blood pressure (87 .5% ), cancer and tlllllor ( 65.7% ). The infusion of A. vogeliana in combination with the leaves
of Cassia alata, Cymbopogon citrutus and fruit juice of Citrus aurantifolia recorded higher fidelity level in
the treatment of malaria and chronic fever (74.8%), gonorrhea (65%) and leprosy (40%) suggesting better
alternative toM. oleifera and A. paniculata. The medicinal relevance of the species in the treatment of diseases
such as malaria, fever, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes among others in local herbal medicine were
revealed. Cytotoxicity assay on the two cell lines, BGC-823 and HeLa cells revealed that only the ethanolic
extract of A. paniculata exhibited some level (moderate) of cytotoxic activity with IC50 values of 24.7
and 23.1 ).lg/mL, respectively. M. oleifera and A. vogeliana did not show any significant activity on the cell
lines. The study highlights the importance of local knowledge in finding cost effective, potent and safe herbs
for people and screening of the plant species for their activities against cancer cell line
