For the first time, the efficacy and toxicity of some anticancer herbal products on the Ghanaian market have been evaluated. The results show that the herbal products have varied phytochemical profiles, phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and cytotoxic activities. From the IC50 values, the herbal products exerted weak toxicity against the breast, liver, prostate, and blood cancer cell lines tested. Two of the herbal products (MUT and COA) were comparatively potent against the blood cancer cell line. In Ghana, patients who patronize herbal products consume the products chronically. 

Chronic intake of the herbal products evaluated in this study could lead to the maintenance of an effective concentration of the active agents, thus immensely contributing to the anticancer activity of the herbal products in vivo. This could, however, have an effect on the toxicity of the herbal products due to the continuous availability of the product in the body.

Although the findings confirm the claims that the selected herbal products are cytotoxic to cancer cells, in vivo studies should be carried out to affirm the potency and toxicities of these herbal products. It is prudent to carry out in vivo studies since liver enzyme activity has an effect on the efficacy and toxicity of consumed herbal products/drugs.