Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the anti-proliferative and apoptotic activity of crude and dichloromethane fraction of A. sieberi against seven cancer cell lines (Colo20, HCT116, DLD, MCF7, Jurkat, HepG2 and L929).
Methods: A. sieberi was extracted with methanol and further purification was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction with hexane, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate. Each extract was assayed for cytotoxic potential against cancer cell lines using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay. The morphology of the HepG2 cell nucleus was investigated by Hoechst 33342, DNA-binding dye. A Tali (TM) image-based cytometer was used to assess cell viability, death and apoptosis using annexin-v / pi (propidium iodide). A chromatographic fingerprint was constructed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: The most effective anticancer activity of the unrefined methanol extract was against HepG2 cell lines (LC50 = 161.5 mu g/mL). The hexane and ethyl acetate fractions showed no antiproliferative activity. The dichloromethane fraction displayed higher cytotoxic activity (LC50 = 61.75 mu g/mL) and also repressed the migration of the cells. About 50 % of HepG2 cells were apoptotic when treated for 24 h with the dichloromethane fraction at the concentration of 120 mu g/mL
Conclusion: A. sieberi possesses apoptotic activity and inhibited the migration of the HepG2 cell lines.