Affiliation:
1. Research Unit Bioactive Natural Products and Biotechnology UR17ES49, Faculty of Dental Medicine of Monastir, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia
2. Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Avicenne Street, 5000 Monastir, Tunisia
Abstract
Objective:
To determine the anticancer potential of the methanolic extract from Ephedra alata against breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo.
Methods:
The effects of the methanolic extract of Ephedra alata on the viability, migration as well as apoptosis of breast cancer 4T1 cells were measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, Transwell assay, and annexin V-FITC staining assay, respectively. Histological examination was also carried out. Moreover, a murine breast cancer model was established to evaluate the inhibitory effect of the extract. Biochemical parameters including hepatic and non-hepatic enzymes, malondialdehyde, and glutathione were investigated.
Results:
The methanolic extract of Ephedra alata showed a strong anti-proliferative and anti-migratory activity against 4T1 cells in a dose-dependent manner. It also induced apoptosis in 4T1 cells. In an in vivo mouse model, the extract markedly inhibited tumor growth, reduced malondialdehyde, and hepatic and non-hepatic enzymes as well as increased glutathione level.
Conclusions:
The methanolic extract of Ephedra alata inhibits breast cancer in vitro and in vivo, which may be a promising anticancer agent.