The Role of Morus Nigra Extract and Its Active Compounds as Drug Candidate on Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cell Line HT-29

Abstract

According to laboratory-based in vitro researches, there are numerous medicinal plants and natural compounds that indicate potential as an anticancer agent. Morus nigra (M.nigra) (black mulberry) and its active components are strong candidates to be anticancer agents. The purpose of the present study was to investigate antiproliferative and antimigratory effects of M.nigra extract, its leptin Morniga G (MorG) and one of its component Chalcone 4 hydrate; and their synergistic effect in combination with cetuximab application on colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29. The antiproliferative effect was determined by impedance based proliferation assay following exposure to M.nigra extract (10%, 1%, 0.1%), MorG (0.5, 5, 50 µM) and Chalcone 4 hydrate (0.5, 5, 50 µM) for 48 hours. The antimigratory effect of M.nigra extract and its coponents, was investigated by a wound-healing assay for 48 h. According to results, Morus nigra extract and its leptin MorG reduced cell viability. After 48 hours of 200 µg/ml Cetuximab exposure with M.nigra extract and MorG at different concentrations, a significant decrease on the cell viability was detected when compared to Cetuximab application. MorG can be suggested as a potantial conjugate for targeted drug. However, futher studies are required to fully understand its mechanisms of action.