Evaluation of effects of Leea indica leaf extracts and herbal formula on proliferation of breast and ovarian cancer cells

Breast cancer is one of the top killers while ovarian cancer is often detected at late stages. Side effects, cancer relapse and refractory cancer are common challenges encountered. Despite medical advances, incidences of such cancer and associated deaths remain high. Some medicinal plants are traditionally used for treatment of cancer and are sources of anticancer drugs. Leea indica (Burm.f.) Merr. is a medicinal plant reported to have antiproliferative effects against various types of cancer. This study aims to evaluate the antiproliferative effects of L. indica leaves extracted with 70% methanol and water using Soxhlet extraction, ultrasonication and maceration in two human breast cancer and two ovarian cancer cell lines via WST-1 assays. Combination treatment with L. indica 70% methanol maceration crude extract and a breast herbal formula was also studied. Generally, 70% methanol maceration extract resulted in lower IC₅₀ values compared to other extracts while its ethyl acetate fraction obtained after liquid-liquid fractionation was generally more potent than the 70% methanol crude extract. The combination treatment with 70% methanol maceration extract and breast herbal formula significantly (p<0.01) reduced cell viabilities of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells as compared to the single treatments alone. In conclusion, the antiproliferative effects of L. indica leaves have been successfully evaluated in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines. Addition of L. indica to an herbal formula shows promise in enhancing the antiproliferative effects against breast cancer cells. Further research to harness the potential benefits of medicinal plants is clearly warranted.

 

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Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Publication History

Article published online:
16 November 2023