In vitro Cytotoxic Potential of Alkaloid and Flavonoid Rich Fractions of Alseodaphne semecarpifolia Against MCF-7 Cells

Abstract

The stem bark and leaves of A. semecarpifolia (Lauraceae) have been employed by traditional healers in Western Ghats region of Karnataka, India to treat human breast cancer. The present study was initiated to explore the cytotoxic properties of A. semecarpifolia. The secondary metabolites were extracted from stem bark and leaves. The stem bark methanol extract (SBME) and leaf methanol extract (LME) were subjected to liquid-liquid partition chromatography, followed by evaluating the presence of phytochemical constituents in liquid fractions and their cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 and L6 cells by MTT assay. The qualitative phytochemical screening of theliquid fractions revealed the presence of different secondary metabolites. The quantitative analysis revealed that the liquid fractions were rich in alkaloids, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Stem bark methanol fraction (SBMF) and leaf methanol fraction(LMF) showed potential cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells with an IC50 of 47.11±3.53µg/ml and 48.62±2.40µg/ml respectively. Whereas, stem bark chloroform fraction(SBCF) and leaf chloroform fraction(LCF) showed moderate activity on MCF-7 cells. Vinblastine sulphate was used as a reference standard and it showed potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells with an IC50 of 24.03±2.12µg/ml. Even though Vinblastine is a potentchemotherapeutic drug it affected the viability of normal cells. In comparison with Vinblastine, the liquid fractions showed very less toxicity on normal cells. Hence, the present study suggested that A. semecarpifolia stem bark and leaves are the potent cytotoxic agents against MCF-7 cells.