Cytotoxicity of Fractions of Dracontium spruceanum Chloroform Extract in MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is a major health issue responsible for numerous deaths worldwide. Medicinal plants are rich in compounds with potential anticancer properties. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the cytotoxicity of fractions from the Dracontium spruceanum chloroform extract on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. Methods: Eleven fractions were screened for cytotoxic effects on cell viability using the MTT assay. Subsequently, the two most cytotoxic fractions were selected, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated using two-fold dilution concentrations ranging from 100 to 1.56 µg/mL. Results: Fractions F43 and F50 showed the highest cytotoxicity at 100 µg/mL. The IC50 of F43 was 270.8 ± 18.07 µg/mL and 133.0 ± 17.99 µg/mL for MDA-MB-231, and 252.2 ± 21.94 µg/mL and 144.3 ± 23.14 µg/mL for MCF-7 cells at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. For F50, IC50 values were 107.2 ± 2.97 µg/mL and 126.1 ± 14.77 µg/mL for MDA-MB-231, and 236.4 ± 58.7 µg/mL and 104.5 ± 10.54 µg/mL for MCF-7 at corresponding times. Conclusions: Dracontium spruceanum fractions demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines, indicating their anticancer potential. Further research is required to identify the metabolites responsible for this activity and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved.