*Corresponding Author:
P. Y. Mali
Department of Pharmacology, B. R. Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur University, Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh 458001, India
E-mail: pymali2008@rediffmail.com
Date of Received 09 July 2020
Date of Revision 01 October 2020
Date of Acceptance 14 December 2020
Indian J Pharm Sci 2020;82(5):912-917  

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Abstract

Euphorbia neriifolia Linn. Sp. Pl. (451.1753) belonging to family Euphorbiaceae has several ethnomedicinal uses. To authenticate these uses scientifically, we have assessed anti-proliferative effect of extract fractions of Euphorbia neriifolia leaves in human prostate adenocarcinoma DU-145 cells by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide cell proliferation assay. 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide cell proliferation assay was used for assessment anti-proliferative effect of extract fractions of Euphorbia neriifolia leaves in human prostate adenocarcinoma DU-145 and normal (Vero) cells. The cells were treated with series of concentrations of extract fractions (4.12-1000 μg/ml) for 48 h. Doxorubicin was considered as standard anti-cancer drug. In order to inhibition concentration and Selectivity Index results, extract fractions have been classified into 05 categories as described by Prayog et al. No extract fraction (EN1 to EN6) of Euphorbia neriifolia leaves was found in first 02 categories at the tested concentrations. Only doxorubicin standard drug sample was found in second category. It can be concluded that no other cells studies were documented yet on isolates and extract fractions of Euphorbia neriifolia by in vitro methods except murine B16F10 melanoma cells. Therefore, there is a need to carry forward these studies at higher concentrations of extract fractions (EN1 to EN6) in same and other adenocarcinoma cells. It can also be study by using other in vivo allograft and xenograft experimental models to confirm anti-proliferative or anti-cancer effects of these extract fractions.

Keywords

Anti-proliferative effect, DU-145 cells, Euphorbia neriifolia Leaves, Extract fractions, MTT cell proliferation assay

Euphorbia neriifolia (E. neriifolia) is worldwide scattered in Baluchistan, Burma, India and Malaysian Islands. In India, it is found in rocky ground throughout Deccan Peninsula and Orissa. It is habitually cultivated for hedges in villages all over India[1,2]. E. nerrifolia has several ethnomedicinal uses. The latex of E. nerrifolia is an active ingredient of many Ayurvedic formulations like Abhaya lavana, Avittoladi bhasma, Citrakadi taila, Jatyadi varti, Snuhidugdhadi varti, Snuhi ghrta and Jalodarari ras. E. neriifolia has been traditionally indicated in Vatavyadhi, Gulma, Udara, Sula, Sotha, Arsas, Kusta and Medoroga[3,4]. Latex is acrid, laxative, pungent and good for treatment of tumors, abdominal troubles and leucoderma. It is also used as a purgative, rubefacient, carminative, expectorant, whooping cough, gonorrhea, leprosy, asthma, dyspepsia, and jaundice, enlargement of the spleen, colic and stone in the bladder. It is used to remove cutaneous eruptions and warts[1,5]. Leaves are brittle, heating, carminative, improve the appetite, good for treatment of tumors, pain, inflammation, abdominal swelling and bronchial infection[5]. The leaves of E. neriifolia extract and its isolates have been reported scientifically using various in vivo and in vitro experimental methods for anti-carcinogenic[6-8] and cytotoxicity[9,10] properties. The leaves of E. neriifolia is reported to have phytochemicals such as kaempferol[11], taraxerol[12], euphol[13], quercetin and rutin[14], (24R)- cycloartane-3β,24,25-triol,5,4’-dihydroxy-3,7,3’,5’ tetramethoxyflavone, pachypodol, combretol[15], 2-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-phenyl)-3, 5-dihydroxy- 6,7-dimethoxychromen-4-one[16,17], etc. Prostate Carcinoma (PCa) is the 2nd most common cause of cancer and 6th leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide[18]. Molecular mechanisms underlying onset and progression of PCa was not fully understood, but the factors implicated in pathogenesis of this disease include age, race, diet, androgen secretion and metabolism and activated oncogenes[19-21]. The search for efficient mode of prevention is presently in progress. Recently studies have shown that the use of Pomegranate Juice (PJ) components consists of luteolin, ellagic acid and punicic acid together inhibit the growth of hormone‑dependent and hormone‑refractory prostate cancer cells and inhibit their migration[22]. Additionally, Bhandari has reviewed the beneficial role of pomegranate in other disorders including prostate cancer[23]. In reference with these studies, the role of E. neriifolia leaves in human prostate adenocarcinoma DU-145 cells was not evaluated yet. Therefore, the present study was an effort to assess anti-proliferative effect of extract fractions of E. neriifolia leaves in human prostate adenocarcinoma DU-145 and normal (Vero) cells using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) cell proliferation assay. The E. neriifolia plant and its leaves (Fresh and well grown) were collected from local region of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. The taxonomist, Dr. Vijay V. Bhadane, Department of Botany, Pratap College, Amalner-425401, Maharashtra, India was authenticated the plant. Voucher specimen (No. PCA/ Bot-P1637) was assigned and deposited in the same. The detailed procedure of extraction and fractionation of E. neriifolia leaves was mentioned in earlier report of Mali et al.[24]. The extract fractions obtained were concentrated, dried and designated as EN1 (Petroleum ether extract fraction), EN2 (Toluene extract fraction), EN3 (Chloroform extract fraction), EN4 (Ethyl acetate extract fraction), EN5 (n-butanol extract fraction) and EN6 (Aqueous extract fraction) use for further studies. The stock solutions of extract fractions was prepared by weighing accurately 10 mg of each extract fraction and dissolved into 1 ml of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution, i.e. 10 mg/ml and diluted with culture medium. The final working concentrations of each extract fractions were achieved 1000 μg/ml. The human prostate adenocarcinoma (DU-145) and normal (Vero) epithelial cells (American Type Culture Collection, USA) were procured from the National Centre for Cell Science, Pune and Maharashtra, India. DU-145 and Vero cells was cultured in Dulbecco’s modified eagle’s media, fortified with 10 % fetal bovine serum and incubated under 5 % CO2 humidified incubator at 37° until 70-80 % confluence reached. The cells were dissociated with 0.2 % trypsin, 0.02 % EDTA in phosphate buffer saline solution. The stock cultures were grown initially in 25 cm2 tissue culture flasks, then in 75 cm2, and finally in 150 cm2 tissue culture flask and cell proliferation assay was carried out 96 well microtiter plates. The cells were seeded in 96 well plates in DMEM supplemented with 10 % Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS). After 24 h of inoculation in humidified CO2 (5 %) with air environment at 37°, when cells became 70-80 % confluent, then the cells were grown in 96 well plates for establishment of monolayer at density of 1×105 cells per well according to the instruction given in kit manual[25,26]. After achieving desired cell density, cells were treated with one third dilution series of various extract fractions (4.12, 12.35, 37.04, 111.1, 333.3 and 1000 μg/ml) and incubated further for 24 h. Then after next day, 20 μl of MTT solution (5 mg/ml) were added in each well and plate was re-incubated for 4 h. Finally, 100 μl of DMSO:Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) (60:40) solubilizing mixture was added to dissolve formazan crystals. Then absorbance of the plate was measure at 570 nm by using a 96 well micro plate. Percentage cytotoxicity or percentage cell growth inhibition was calculated using equation. Percentage viability=(AT-AB)/(AC-AB)×100

Where, AT=Absorbance of treated cells (drug); AB=Absorbance of blank (only media); AC=Absorbance of control (untreated). Therefore, percentage cytotoxicity or percentage cell growth inhibition=100- percentage cell survival. The plot of percentage cell inhibition versus sample concentration was used to calculate the 50 % Inhibition Concentration (IC50). Selectivity Index (SI) was also calculated from the ratio of IC50 of Vero cells versus cancerous (DU-145) cells. SI values indicate selectivity of extr act fraction in tested cells. Extract fractions with SI>3 were measured to have high selectivity[27-29]. Data of percent cell growth inhibition were expressed as means of three independent observations (n=3). The IC50 was determined by interpolating concentration (X-axis) vs. percentage cell inhibition (Y-axis) by linear regression equation using Microsoft Excel, 2007, Microsoft Corporation, USA. Cytotoxicity (In vitro) analysis has become an essential part of drug discovery process because it is convenient, cost effective and predictive means of characterizing toxic effects of new chemical entities. The early and routine implementation of this analysis is evidence to its prognostic importance for humans[30]. In vitro cell line model is of at least equal concern to the human xenograft model[31]. Herbal medicine comprise a widespread substitute for cancer prevention and treatment worldwide[32-35]. Around sixty percent of anticancer medicines presently have isolated from medicinal plants. Recently, more than three thousand plants globally reported to have anticancer effects[36]. In emphasized with this, our result of percentage cell inhibition, IC50 and SI of extract fractions (EN1 to EN6) of E. neriifolia leaves for both cells were shown in Table 1 and fig. 1. In order to IC50 and SI results, extract fractions have been classified into 05 categories as described by Prayog et al.[28]. Firstly, potentially cytotoxic (IC50 in DU-145˂100 μg/ml) and high SI (SI≥3), no sample was found in this category. Secondly, moderate cytotoxic (100 μg/ml˂IC50 in DU-145 ˂1000 μg/ml) and high SI (SI≥3), only Doxo sample was found. Thirdly, moderate cytotoxic (100 μg/ml˂IC50 in DU-145≤1000 μg/ml) and less SI (SI˂3), the EN1, EN2 and EN3 samples were found. Fourthly, toxic to only Vero cells and it was EN1 and EN2. Lastly, non-toxic in DU-145 and Vero cells (IC50>1000 μg/ml) and they were EN4, EN5 and EN6. Extract fractions in first 02 categories could be taken for further bioassay guided experimentation and highest SI indicate its ultimate potential for biopharmaceutical use among the tested extract fractions[28]. In line with above statement, no extract fraction was found in first 02 categories at the tested concentrations. Only doxorubicin standard drug sample was found in second category. As per earlier evidences on in vitro cytotoxicity studies on E. neriifolia isolates and extracts which suggested that studies were performed using murine B16F10 melanoma cell line only. These studies includes in vitro cytotoxicity of euphol isolated from triterpenoidal sapogenin fraction of E. neriifolia leaf was assessed using murine F10B16 melanoma cell line. Results of assay revealed that 50 % inhibition concentration was 173.78 mg/ml[13]. Anticancer activity of methanolic extracts of E. neriifolia, Euphorbia hirta (E. hirta) and Euphorbia tirucalli (E. tirucalli) against B16F10 melanoma cancer cell line was performed. These plants showed significant cytotoxicity against B16F10 melanoma cell line in concentration range 10-1000 ml using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and MTT assay. Fifty percent inhibition concentration of methanolic extract of E. neriifolia, E. hirta and E. tirucalli was 198.26, 185.41 and 20.10 by SRB assay and 212.78, 240.98 and 237.07 by MTT assay. Methanolic extract of all these three plants showed significant activity against B16F10 melanoma cells[9]. Based on reported biological activities, the E. neriifolia extracts and isolates can be explored for their therapeutic potential by use of modern assay methods. Molecular mechanisms should be established for therapeutic applications[37]. It can be concluded that no other cells studies were documented yet on isolates and extract fractions of E. neriifolia by in vitro methods except murine B16F10 melanoma cells. Therefore, there is a need to carry forward these studies at higher concentrations of extract fractions (EN1 to EN6) in human prostrate adenocarcinoma (DU-145) and normal (Vero) cells. It can also be study by using other in vivo allograft and xenograft experimental animal models to confirm anti-proliferative or anti-cancer effects of these extract fractions.

IJPS-extract-fractions

Fig. 1: Percentage cell inhibition of extract fractions of E. neriifolia against DU-145 and Vero cells. A: Percentage cell inhibition of EN1 extract fraction; B: Percentage cell inhibition of EN2 extract fraction; C: Percentage cell inhibition of EN3 extract fraction; D: Percentage cell inhibition of EN4 extract fraction; E: Percentage cell inhibition of EN5 extract fraction; F: Percentage cell inhibition of EN6 extract fraction; G: Percentage cell inhibition of doxorubicin

Conc. DU-145 cells Vero cells
µg/ml EN1 EN2 EN3 EN4 EN5 EN6 Doxo EN1 EN2 EN3 EN4 EN5 EN6 Doxo
4.12 9.15 12.12 2.26 2.25 2.26 1.55 15.24 1.64 2.31 1.67 1.98 0.35 0.35 0.65
12.35 14.67 23.02 14.15 3.65 2.43 2.23 24.35 2.06 5.34 3.41 2.45 0.98 0.98 1.14
37.04 22.36 34.13 22.56 8.45 3.56 2.65 41.37 6.34 13.05 7.23 6.34 1.22 1.23 1.57
111.11 40.14 48.07 36.48 15.54 8.23 3.75 52.2 15.24 26.34 9.34 12.34 1.65 1.65 2.13
333.33 58.5 66.15 47.18 14.65 12.65 12.24 63.1 32.21 34.24 16.34 15.32 2.65 2.04 3.62
1000 70.39 76.09 66.28 44.55 46.45 36.05 71.24 46.21 52.31 36.35 45.34 25.34 18.32 22.31
IC50 µg/ml 508.9 379.8 599.8 1150A 1124A 1439A 376.8 993 866.4 1430A 1131A 2115A 2956A 2384A
Selectivity Index (S.I)
Samples EN1 EN2 EN3 EN4 EN5 EN6 Doxo
S.I 1.95 2.28 2.38 0.98 1.88 2.05 >6.32B

Table 1: Percentage Cell Inhibition, IC50 and SI of Extract Fractions of E. Nerrifolia Against Du-145 and Vero Cells

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thankful to Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat, India for providing the necessary facilities to this investigation.

Conflict of interests

The authors declared no conflict of interest.

References