<i>In Vitro</i> and <i>In Vivo</i> Anticancer Activity of <i>E. littorale</i> Extract on Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Enicostemma littorale Blume is a perennial herb of the Gentianaceae family. It has been noted that different parts of the plant have hepatoprotective, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic properties. The aim of the current study was to assess the anticancer potential of the plant in vitro as well as in vivo animal studies. First, we evaluated the cytotoxic effect of the extracts in HepG2 cells. The alcoholic extract exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. In HepG2 cells, the extract’s anticancer activity was observed with an IC50 value of 373 ± 3.0 µg/mL. Following in vitro studies, the in vivo anticancer effectiveness of the extract was evaluated using a xenograft model. Vehicle-treated mice showed a time-dependent increase in tumor volume. Mice treated with the extract showed a decrease in tumor growth as compared to vehicle treated group, indicating the anticancer activity of the extract in tumor xenografts study. On day 21, a marked reduction in tumor volume was noted. The findings of the study suggest that the alcoholic extract of E. littorale is effective against hepatocellular carcinoma. To fully understand the anticancer potential of E. littorale, further research with specific phytoconstituents is required.