The exploration of new anticancer agents is in high demand owing to limitations of conventional therapies. This study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of Aspergillus terreus ethyl acetate extract on uterine cervix cancer cells. Secondary metabolites were extracted from broth cultures and total phenolic content was determined using the Folin-Ciocaltiu method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assays. The cytotoxic activity of the fungal extract was assessed using Methyl ThaizolylTetazolium bromide (MTT) assay on HeLa cells. Morphological changes in HeLa cells upon treatment with the extract were determined. The effect of the fungal extract on cell cycle arrest was evaluated using flow cytometry. The extract showed a significant free radical scavenging activity. The total phenolic content was found to be 16.76 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram dry weight of the extract. The extract exhibited a cytotoxic effect on the HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 92.68 μg/mL. Cell cycle analysis revealed that A. terreus induced G0/G1 arrest confirming its anticancer activity. Results of the present investigation revealed that crude extract of the A. terreus possesses potential anticancer properties.
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