In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of stem bark and leaves of Anogeissus pendula: Lack of potent activity

Abstract

Objective: Anogeissus pendula Edgew (Combretaceae) which is also known as “button
tree” is one of the prominent species of Anogeissus genus which has several ethnomedicinal
uses. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of alkaloids and phenolic
compounds, such as flavonoids, lignins, tannins. So, pharmacological evaluation of
this plant may lead to discovery of new activity. Therefore, the objective of the present
study is to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of stem bark and leaves hydroalcoholic
extract of A. pendula. Materials and Methods: In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by
MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay against
A431 (human epithelial carcinoma) and HepG-2 (human liver carcinoma) cell lines.
The assay is based on the principle that the dead cells do not reduce the tetrazolium
into formazan. Various concentrations (62.5-1000 μg/mL) of hydroalcoholic extracts
were used and the concentration of test drug needed to inhibit cell growth by 50%
(IC50) values is generated from the dose–response curves for each cell line. Microscopic
examination was also carried out for morphological analysis of cells treated with extracts
of A. pendula. Results: The hydroalcoholic extracts of stem bark and leaves revealed
dose dependent, but insignificant activity against the cell lines i.e.A431 and HepG-2 as
the IC50 was found to be greater than 1000 μg/mL for both the extracts against both the
cell lines. There were no morphological changes in cells which supports the insignificant
cytotoxicity. Conclusion: The results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extracts of stem
bark and leaves of A. pendula have insignificant cytotoxicity.