GC-MS Analysis and Potential Apoptotic Effect of Paliurus spina-christi Mill. Leaf and Flower Extracts against Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

In recent years, herbal medicines have become a significant novel source of treatment for various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Various investigations have declared that Paliurus spina-christi Mill. (PSC) shows antioxidant, antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties, but its effect on cancer cells is unknown. This study purposed to evaluate the possible anti-cancer effects of the ethanolic extract of the PSC in human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The leaf and flower extracts of PSC were prepared in ethanol and volatile compounds were determined by GC-MS analysis. The possible cytotoxic effects of extracts were evaluated via MTT assay. Apoptotic effect was examined using the PI Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit. Significant cytotoxic effects were detected after 72 h treatment of ethanolic leaf and flower extracts in MCF-7 cells but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. Both leaf and flower extracts of PSC induced apoptotic cell death in MCF-7 cells. On phytochemical screening, it was shown that the leaf extract of PSC contains pyrrolidine, 2-decenal, 2-undecanal, phytol, oleic acid, oleamide, squalane, vitamin E, and gamma-sitosterol and the flower extract contains pyrrolidine, 2-decenal, 2-undecenal, oleic acid, lupeol, and gamma-sitosterol. These data report that PSC leaf and flower extracts have cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, this study can be considered an in vitro background for further in vivo cancer experiments.