Triphala extract Reduces Anti-apoptotic Protein (Mcl-1) Expression through the Activation of Caspase 3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Abstract

Triphala is an equal mixture of the three myrobalans Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), Terminalia bellerica (Bibhitaki), and Phyllanthus emblica (Amalaki), according to the Ayurvedic Formulary of India. Triphala is an herbal supplement that is high in antioxidants and has a number of advantageous qualities. Numerous investigations conducted in recent years have shown that Triphala has anti-mutagenic and radioprotective properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine if an ethanolic extract of Triphala had any inhibitory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCCs). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify and quantify various phytochemicals in triphala extract (TE). Further, in two human liver cancer cells (HepG2 and Hep3B), TE was examined for its cytotoxic potential by [3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Apoptosis was promoted by TE, which also suppressed the production of anti-apoptotic proteins and triggered poly-ADP ribose polymerase cleavage. Significantly, TE has a cytotoxic effect against liver cancer cells. The current study demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of triphala has anticancer properties against HCC. As a result, Triphala may offer a potential alternative to conventional therapy for cancer patients.