Could Methanol Leaf Extracts of Erythrina variegata L. be a Potential Source of Anticancer Molecule against Breast Cancer Cell Lines? – A Preliminary in vitro Investigation

Introduction: In India, traditional/folklore medicine are known to use species of Erythrina variegata L. (E. variegata) in treatment of cancer. Hence the leaves of this plant could be explored for their anticancer potential.

Objectives: The objectives of the present study were, i) to evaluate the anticancer potential of crude extracts of the leaves of E. variegata with two solvents with different polarity, methanol and chloroform, ii) to explore the mechanism of cytotoxicity with the most effective extract, and iii) to identify the phytochemicals associated with the cytotoxicity of the most active extract.

Methods: The methanol soluble (EVM) and chloroform soluble (EVC) extracts of E. variegata were screened for cytotoxicity by [3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] MTT assay with breast cancer cell lines - MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Further, the nucleoprotein content and cell morphology were studied with the EVM (more effective) treated MDA-MB-231 cells. The phytochemical composition of EVM was evaluated by High-Resolution Liquid chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HRLCMS).

Results: Among the two extracts, EVM was effective with a 50% Inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 92 µg/mL and 143 µg/mL on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. The nucleoprotein content of EVM (IC50 143 µg/mL) treated MDA-MB-231 was 58.2% and the apoptotic index was calculated to be 51.8%. EVM treated MDA-MB-231 cells showed significant morphological changes suggestive of apoptosis. Phytochemicals such as rutin, podocarpatriene and cepharanthine were detected by HRLCMS which are reported to be cytotoxic.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that methanol extracts of the leaves of E. variegata could be a potential source of anticancer molecules.