Investigation of Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity againts MCF-7 and HeLa Cancer Cells of Melinjo (Gnetum gnemon L.)

Abstract

Background: One of the major causes of death in the world is cancer. The cancer frequently affects in women especially breast cancer and cervical cancer. Many anticancer drugs have been developing throughout time due to the side effect of cancer treatments. Current study, plants have been extensively explore for their bioactive compound that is effective as anticancer drug candidates. Gnetum gnemon L. plant contains a bioactive compound that is beneficial for health and can be developed as an anticancer agent. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of Gnetum gnemon L. seed extract as an antioxidant and anticancer in two cells line, MCF-7 and HeLa cells. Methods: The antioxidant evaluated through the DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-ly)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays conducted for cytotoxicity. Phytochemical qualitative screening identified the flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. Results: The result of the DPPH assay was 543.19 ± 11.43 μg/mL and the MTT assay with IC50 value 316 ± 45.76 μg/mL, 489.57 ± 4.03 μg/mL on MCF-7 and HeLa cells respectively. Based on these findings, antioxidant activity of the Gnetum gnemon L. seed extract against MCF-7 and HeLa cancer cells line defined as moderate cytotoxicity. Conclusion: The percentage (%) cell viability of MCF-7 and HeLa cells decreased as the concentration of the extracts increased. Further investigation is needed to make a quantitative analysis of these compounds and their mechanism of action as anticancer activities.