The Acetone Extract of Sclerocarya birrea (Anacardiaceae) Possesses Antiproliferative and Apoptotic Potential against Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines (MCF‐7)

Abstract

Interesting antimicrobial data from the stem bark of Sclerocarya birrea, which support its use in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases, have been delineated. The current study was aimed to further study some pharmacological and toxicological properties of the plant to scientifically justify its use. Anticancer activity of water and acetone extracts of S. birrea was evaluated on three different cell lines, HT-29, HeLa, and MCF-7 using the cell titre blue viability assay in 96-well plates. Apoptosis was evaluated using the acridine orange and propidium iodide staining method, while morphological structure of treated cells was examined using SEM. The acetone extract exhibited remarkable antiproliferative activities on MCF-7 cell lines at dose- and time-dependent manners (24 h and 48 h of incubation). The extract also exerted apoptotic programmed cell death in MCF-7 cells with significant effect on the DNA. Morphological examination also displayed apoptotic characteristics in the treated cells, including clumping, condensation, and culminating to budding of the cells to produce membrane-bound fragmentation, as well as formation of apoptotic bodies. The acetone extract of S. birrea possesses antiproliferative and apoptotic potential against MCF-7-treated cells and could be further exploited as a potential lead in anticancer therapy.

Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities of Extracts From Urginea Maritima Fruits

“…Therefore, the DNA patterns produced in this study were similar to that presented by Gao et al (2002) who reported that resveratrol from plant extract induced DNA fragmentation in 32Dp210 leukemic cells. On the other hand, the obtained DNA fragmentation result in this study is contrary to the finding of Tanih and Ndip (2013) who reported that apoptosis induction was detected by conversion of intense DNA band to faint band with no DNA fragmentation.…”

Bark Stripping from Forest Tree Species in Madjadjane, Southern Mozambique: Medicinal Uses and Implications for Conservation

“…The species also has several non-medical cultural values, including myths and beliefs, ornamentation, food, handicrafts and wood [13] [21] [22]. Recently, the anticancer [25], anti-microbial (respiratory infections) [26], anti-diabetic and anti-oxidant ability of S. birrea [27] as well as a set of compounds and molecules related to these diseases [28] have been reported. In addition, the fruits of this species are highly nutritive, with unusually high contents of micronutrients, protein (ca.…”

Preparation of Drugs in the Developing World

“…Tanih have shown that acetone extracts of Sclerocarya birrea have apoptotic activity against the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 [8,9]. Similar anti-microbial results were obtained with boiling organics such as Triton X-100 and chloroform in a broad spectrum of Gram Positive and Gram Negative cells, including Mycobacterium [10].…”