In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of stem bark and leaves of Anogeissus pendula: Lack of potent activity

Abstract

Objective: Anogeissus pendula Edgew (Combretaceae) which is also known as “button tree” is one of the prominent species of Anogeissus genus which has several ethnomedicinal uses. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids and phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, lignins, tannins. So, pharmacological evaluation of this plant may lead to discovery of new activity. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of stem bark and leaves hydroalcoholic extract of A. pendula . Materials and Methods: In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay against A431 (human epithelial carcinoma) and HepG-2 (human liver carcinoma) cell lines. The assay is based on the principle that the dead cells do not reduce the tetrazolium into formazan. Various concentrations (62.5-1000 μg/mL) of hydroalcoholic extracts were used and the concentration of test drug needed to inhibit cell growth by 50% (IC 50 ) values is generated from the dose–response curves for each cell line. Microscopic examination was also carried out for morphological analysis of cells treated with extracts of A. pendula . Results: The hydroalcoholic extracts of stem bark and leaves revealed dose dependent, but insignificant activity against the cell lines i.e. A431 and HepG-2 as the IC 50 was found to be greater than 1000 μg/mL for both the extracts against both the cell lines. There were no morphological changes in cells which supports the insignificant cytotoxicity. Conclusion: The results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extracts of stem bark and leaves of A. pendula have insignificant cytotoxicity.