Cytotoxic and antimigratory effects on michigan cancer foundation-7 cells of Morinda citrifolia L. leaf extract and formulation of tablets from extract

Abstract

Background: Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases known to man. Efforts to combat the disease remain ongoing. Morinda citrifolia L. is a medicinal plant which is gaining interest as a natural chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment. Objective: This study aimed to determine the anticancer activity of M. citrifolia leaf extract on Michigan cancer foundation 7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cells as well as formulate tablets containing the extract to assess their viability. Materials and Methods: M. citrifolia leaf extract was prepared using the maceration method. Cytotoxicity and cell migration suppression, representing anticancer activity, were also assessed in MCF-7 cells by the sulforhodamine B assay and wound-healing assay. Tablets containing the extract were formulated using the wet granulation method. The prepared tablets were then evaluated regarding their physical properties and scopoletin content, a marker in the extract, before and after stability testing. Results: The extract showed cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 39.9 ± 3.5 μg/mL for 48 h. In addition, it showed an antimigratory effect on MCF-7 cells with a significant effect at 25 μg/mL. The prepared tablets had good characteristics and were found to meet the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia. Moreover, they could maintain their physical properties and scopoletin content over a 2-month period. Conclusion: This study showed that M. citrifolia leaf extract exhibited potential anti-breast cancer activity. The prepared tablets containing the extract could be a potential formulation for breast cancer treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of the extract as an antibreast cancer agent requires further investigation in subsequent study.