Anti-proliferative Potential of Erythrina indica Leaf Aqueous Extract against Human Breast Cancer Cells

Introduction: Breast cancer is a type of cancer that arises in the cells of the breast. Breast cancer can develop in either the lobules or the ducts. Breast cancer might develop in the fatty tissue or fibrous connective tissue.

Materials and Methods: The effect of Erythrina indica (E.indica) on cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Briefly, the cells (1 × 105 cells/ml) were seeded in a 96 well microtiter plate with replications. Treatment was carried out for 24 with different concentrations (50-300 μg) of E.indica. The percentage of cell viability was calculated and plotted in graph. The cell morphological changes of E. indica leaf aqueous extract treated cells were observed under inverted phase contrast microscopy.

Results: The crude extract obtained from E.indica leaf greatly inhibits the cancer cell proliferation in dose dependent manner. We observed IC50 at 100 μg/ml of E. indica leaf aqueous extract treated for 24 hrs in breast cancer cells and also it induces apoptosis, which was confirmed by cell morphological changes evaluated using phase contrast microscope.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the E. indica leaf aqueous extract shows the potent anti-proliferative activity against breast cancer cells, and it might be a novel new anticancer drug for cancer therapy.