Apoptosis inducing anti-proliferative activity of Citrullus lanatus seeds against A549 cell lines

Abstract

Cancer is a leading dangerous death-causing disease in millions over the world. It arises due to the uncontrolled growth of mal-functioned cells and formed as tumors. The disease can affect any part of the body. Still, it is a quest to find anti-cancer drugs which has been the major research endeavor around the globe. Traditionally humans use plants and their derived products as a source to cure various diseases. In recent years many researches had paved the way to use plant-based drugs. The current research aims to evaluate the anticancer activity of Citrullus lanatus seeds against A549 lung carcinoma epithelial cell lines. The study uses C. lanatus seeds which naturally contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that prevent cancer cell proliferation. The ethanolic seed extract of C. lanatus showed the presence of phytochemicals such as saponins, alkaloids, proteins and flavonoids by preliminary screening. The extract was tested for its anti-inflammatory showing 96.16 % at maximum concentration. The microbial assays also showed good signs of inhibition against the microorganisms by forming a zone of inhibition. The safety and efficacy of the extract were determined by MTT assay for the cytotoxicity using A549 cancer cell lines and non-cancerous cell lines. The IC50 concentration of C. lanatus seed extract showed dosage dependently at 51.73 μg/ml for A549 cell lines. They also resulted in significant induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis at the G2 phase by inhibiting the A549 cell line proliferation. The present study works on lung carcinoma to find a better procurement in a traditional way that can develop future hope in the pharmaceutical industry.