Smart alternative to cytotoxicity study and anti-angiogenic activity of different extracts of Heliconia rostrata

Abstract

Ethnobotanically, Heliconia rostrata (Heliconiaceae) is used for the treatment of skin cancer by the traditional people of Panama. Present study aims to estimate the cytotoxicity activity of petroleum ether extracts of rhizomes (RPE) and inflorescence (FPE) of Heliconia rostrata. The cytotoxicity and anti-angiogenic activity of the extracts were evaluated using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay and chick embryo Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) Assay, respectively. Both the assays being cost effective, less time consuming and most importantly with no use of animals can be considered to be an alternative model for animal testing before going on for a full scale investigation on the animals in the development of an anti-cancer agent. In brine shrimp lethal study, cytotoxicity was evaluated in terms of LC50 (lethal concentration). Ten nauplii were added to different concentrations RPE and FPE. Percentage death of nauplii was taken out after 24h and LC50 was accessed1. RPE was potent against the brine shrimp in comparison to FPE (Influorescence Petroleum Ether Extract) with LC50 value of 85.04μg/ml. In the CAM assay, the CAM was subjected to different concentrations of extract along with DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) as negative control. The anti-angiogenic effect of the extracts was found out using a semi-quantitative method of estimation done blindly by 10 different observers. The average score of the estimation showed RPE to be having strong anti-angiogenic effect than FPE. Thus, RPE can be used as a candidate for anti-cancer agent and can be further investigated thoroughly for anti-cancer treatment.