Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally. The essential fatty acid α-Linolenic acid (ALA) and its oxidation products inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The effect of natural antioxidants on ALA anticancer effects has not been well characterized. Aims: To assess the effect of curcumin and neem leaf powder extract, on ALA cytotoxicity activity towards MCF-7 breast cancers.Study Design: In-vitro testing.Methodology: Antioxidant activity of neem extract and curcumin were evaluated using, four assays: Total phenolic content, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay or 2, 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay. Cytotoxicity activity was assessed using MCF7 cells grown in DMEM (+10% FBS) and evaluated using Sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay for cell cytotoxicity.Results: Curcumin and neem leaf extract had significant antioxidant power, and values varied between the four assays. Treatments of MCF7 cells with ALA, (0-500 µM) curcumin (0-50 µM), and neem leaf extract (0-88 µM) individually produced a concentration-dependent decrease in MCF-7 cell viability. Combination treatments using ALA with curcumin and ALA with neem were significantly less effective compared to individual treatments.Conclusion: Combinations studies indicate that the natural antioxidants curcumin and neem reduce the inhibitory effect of α-Linolenic acid towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Highlights
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally
Combinations studies indicate that the natural antioxidants curcumin and neem reduce the inhibitory effect of α-Linolenic acid towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Dietary acid α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is converted to Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) but the conversion rate may be variable depending on a range of factors including age [9]
Summary
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally. The essential fatty acid α-Linolenic acid (ALA) and its oxidation products inhibit cancer cell proliferation. Aims: To assess the effect of curcumin and neem leaf powder extract, on ALA cytotoxicity activity towards MCF-7 breast cancers. Past investigations showed that Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) inhibit the proliferation breast cancer cells [3,4] and that lipid peroxidation products may be implicated; reviewed in [5,6,7,8]. Breast cancer cells have an increased requirement for n-3 fatty acids owing to a low D6 desaturase activity for converting ALA to EPA and DHA [3,8]
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