In vitro anticancer activity of Citrus maxima peel extract on human breast cancer cells

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: The alarming rise in breast cancer cases highlights the need for a safer, effective, and more responsive chemoprevention approach for cancer treatment. In contrast to conventional chemotherapeutic medicines, which primarily function as mono-target agents, phytochemicals have been proven to inhibit cancer growth by influencing numerous processes, such as apoptosis and signaling pathways. Citrus maxima (Burm). Merr., frequently identified as pomelo, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, and is utilized extensively in the conventional approach to medicine, and this study focused on anti-cancer properties of Citrus maxima peel extracts. Materials and Methods: The anti-proliferative properties of the Citrus maxima peel extracts and its flavonoid Naringin on the breast cancer cell line was evaluated using the MTT test. The ability of the breast cancer cells to migrate was assessed using a wound healing assay and their capacity to form colonies was assessed using a colony formation assay. Results: The Citrus maxima crude peel extracts and Naringin inhibited the cell proliferation of the breast cancer cell line. The cell viability of breast cancer cells decreased with time after treatment with their corresponding IC50. The colony-formation capacity and migration ability of the cells was also reduced. Conclusion: The examined Citrus maxima crude peel extracts and its flavonoid Naringin showed strong anticancer efficacy by suppressing cell proliferation and could be seen as prospective candidates for upcoming breast cancer therapeutic medications. Extensive research is also needed to fully comprehend the precise mechanism of action of extracts and its components.