The Effect of Corchorus olitorius L. Extract on Viability of Breast Cancer Cells: A friend or a foe?

Abstract

This Corchorus olitorius L. is known to be a medicinal plant widely consumed in the Eastern Mediterranean region and has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Breast cancer has one of the highest mortality rates among all cancers. Therefore, the main aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of C. olitorius plant on viability of estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. C. olitorius leaves first extracted with ethanol, then LC-MS/MS analysis was done for identification of phytochemicals. MTT assay was used for assessment of cell viability of MCF-7 cells. Cells were treated with C. olitorius extracts at five concentrations (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 µg/ml) and four different incubation periods (24, 48, 72, 96 h). LC-MS/MS analysis identified seven phytochemicals in the extract, mainly quercetin and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives. MTT results showed that the extract was only slightly effective in terms of reduction of cell viability at 50 and 100 µg/ml doses which were incubated for 24 and 48 h. Lower concentration doses did not show any effect in cell viability of MCF-7 cells. Longer incubation periods tend to increase cell viability of breast cancer cells. Quercetin identified within the extract might interfere with ER and promote MCF-7 cell proliferation. Therefore, in ER positive breast adenocarcinoma, quercetin intake and doses should carefully be monitored. More studies regarding the relationship between C. olitorius , quercetin and breast cancer should be done for further clarification of the topic.