Cytotoxic effects of Albizia lebbeck methanol bark extract on cells

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Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Studies on cytotoxic effect of albizia lebbeck methanolic bark extract on human cell lines
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Author:

Ariharasivakumar Ganesan and Kavimani Subramanian


World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:

(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)

Full text available for: Studies on cytotoxic effect of albizia lebbeck methanolic bark extract on human cell lines

Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research

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Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Recent trends in medical research highlight the significance of natural products, particularly plant-derived substances, as therapeutic agents. This growing interest stems from the limitations of conventional medicine and the potential enhancement these natural products may provide against specific effects of synthetic drugs. One such plant, Albizia lebbeck, is well-regarded in traditional Indian medicine for its diverse applications, especially in treating inflammatory conditions. Research into its phytochemical composition and biological activity, particularly its cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines, has gained attention.

Cytotoxic Effects on Human Cancer Cell Lines

The study investigated the cytotoxic properties of methanolic extracts from the bark of Albizia lebbeck on various human cancer cell lines, including HeLa, HepG2, Miapaca-2, AGS, A431, U373MG, and NIH3T3. The MTT assay, a standard method for assessing cell viability, demonstrated that the extracts inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Notably, the methanol extract significantly diminished cell viability while sparing non-cancerous cells, indicating a selective cytotoxic effect. The extract's activity suggests the presence of bioactive compounds that could contribute to the treatment of cancer.

Mechanism of Action: Apoptosis Induction

The research further explores the apoptosis-inducing potential of the Albizia lebbeck bark extract through various tests, including the TUNEL assay. Results indicated that the extract triggered cell death pathways in cancerous cells, leading to apoptosis. This mechanism suggests that the bioactive constituents in the extract may activate intrinsic pathways associated with programmed cell death, reinforcing the extract’s therapeutic promise as a potential anticancer agent.

Comparative Analysis of Cytotoxicity

An essential aspect of the study involved comparing the efficacy of extracts across different cell lines. Findings illustrated that HepG2 and Miapaca-2 cell lines displayed heightened sensitivity, with the IC50 values being notably lower than those of other tested lines. This differential sensitivity underscores the complexities of cancer cell responses to botanical extracts and emphasizes the need for tailored approaches in developing anticancer therapies based on individual cell line vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The research outlines the substantial cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of methanolic extracts from Albizia lebbeck against various cancer cell lines, presenting it as a promising candidate for further investigation in cancer treatment. This study paves the way for the isolation of specific bioactive compounds from the bark extracts that could be targeted as new chemotherapeutic agents, particularly for breast cancer. The findings contribute significantly to the understanding of plant-derived substances in oncology and encourage future studies focusing on their mechanisms and broader therapeutic applications.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What was the objective of the study on Albizia lebbeck?

The study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects and the mechanisms of cell death induced by methanolic bark extract of Albizia lebbeck on various human cancer cell lines.

Which human cell lines were tested for cytotoxic effects?

The study examined the effects on HeLa, Miapaca-2, HepG2, AGS, U373MG, A431, NIH3T3, and MCF7 cell lines to evaluate the bark extract's cytotoxicity.

How was the cytotoxic activity of extracts evaluated?

Cytotoxic activity was assessed using the MTT assay to measure cell viability and the TUNEL test to detect apoptosis in treated cells.

What were the findings regarding the IC50 values?

The IC50 values varied for different cell lines, with HepG2 and Miapaca-2 showing the highest sensitivity. Most cell lines had IC50 values between 28.55 to 90.05 μg/ml.

Which components in the bark extract exhibited cytotoxic effects?

The cytotoxic effects may be attributed to high levels of polyphenols in the bark extracts, which are believed to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.

What did the study conclude about Albizia lebbeck's potential use?

The study concluded that methanol extracts of Albizia lebbeck show promising cytotoxic and apoptotic activities, suggesting their potential as a new chemotherapeutic agent for breast cancer treatment.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Cytotoxic effects of Albizia lebbeck methanol bark extract on cells”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Line:
The term 'Line' refers to the specific types of human cell lines that were utilized in the study. These cell lines, such as HeLa and MCF7, are foundational tools in pharmaceutical research as they enable scientists to investigate drug effects, cytotoxicity, and mechanisms of action in a controlled environment, mimicking human physiology.

2) Hela (Helá):
HeLa is a specific human cell line derived from cervical cancer cells. It was the first immortalized human cell line and is widely used in scientific research, including studies on cancer. HeLa cells are crucial for understanding cancer biology, drug testing, and the development of vaccines and therapeutic strategies.

3) Study (Studying):
The term 'Study' signifies a structured scientific inquiry aimed at exploring a specific hypothesis or research question. In this context, the study investigated the cytotoxic effects of Albizia lebbeck bark extract on various human cancer cell lines, contributing to the broader understanding of potential natural treatments for cancer.

4) Drug:
In the context of this research, 'Drug' refers to the pharmacological agents tested for their effectiveness in inhibiting cancer cell growth. The study evaluates the methanolic bark extract of Albizia lebbeck as a potential natural drug for cancer treatment, emphasizing the search for effective and less harmful alternatives to conventional therapies.

5) Activity:
The term 'Activity' in this research relates to the biological response elicited by the bark extract when applied to human cell lines. It encompasses the extract's ability to induce cytotoxicity and apoptosis, thus making it an essential parameter in assessing the efficacy of natural compounds as therapeutic agents against cancer.

6) India:
India holds significance in this research due to its rich biodiversity and traditional use of medicinal plants. The study focuses on Albizia lebbeck, a tree indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, showcasing the potential of Indian flora in developing natural treatments for diseases such as cancer.

7) Cancer:
Cancer is a major health challenge, characterized by uncontrolled cell division and metastasis. The research specifically investigates the anti-cancer properties of Albizia lebbeck bark extract. Understanding how plant-derived compounds can combat cancerous cells contributes immensely to developing novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.

8) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases, including cancer. This study reflects the growing interest in natural medicine and phytotherapy, highlighting the potential of plant-based compounds as viable alternatives or adjuncts to traditional pharmacological treatments in oncology.

9) Medium:
In biological research, 'Medium' refers to the nutrient solution used to grow and maintain cell cultures. In this study, Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) was used to provide the necessary nutrients for human cell lines, enabling controlled experiments to assess the effects of Albizia lebbeck bark extract.

10) Science (Scientific):
The term 'Scientific' underscores the methodical and evidence-based approach taken in this study. It reflects the rigorous application of research methods to assess the cytotoxicity of a herbal extract, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of plant-based compounds in medicine.

11) Indian:
The term 'Indian' signifies the geographical and cultural context from which the plant species, Albizia lebbeck, is derived. The research underscores the importance of local flora in traditional Indian medicine systems, bridging ethnobotany with modern scientific research to explore therapeutic potentials.

12) Water:
In the study, 'Water' is crucial as it is the solvent used to prepare the extracts from the bark of Albizia lebbeck. The extraction process often involves various solvents, with water being a common choice due to its low toxicity and ability to dissolve many bioactive compounds necessary for analysis.

13) Death:
The term 'Death' refers to the biological process of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, which is a significant focus of this research. Understanding how the bark extract induces cell death in cancer cells is essential for assessing its potential as a therapeutic agent in cancer treatment.

14) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plants that possess biological activity. In this study, the bark extract of Albizia lebbeck is analyzed for its phytochemical content, aiming to identify and isolate compounds that can exhibit cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines, thereby informing future therapeutic applications.

15) Chittorgarh:
Chittorgarh is a city in Rajasthan, India, where one of the authors of the study is affiliated. Its mention highlights the collaboration between institutions in different regions of India, emphasizing the significance of local researchers in exploring indigenous plants for their medicinal properties.

16) Observation:
In a scientific context, 'Observation' refers to the careful monitoring of results during experiments. This study includes observations of cell viability and cytotoxicity in different human cell lines after treatment with Albizia lebbeck extract, crucial for drawing meaningful conclusions regarding its efficacy.

17) Puducherry:
Puducherry is a union territory in India, home to one of the research institutions involved in this study. Its mention indicates the collaborative nature of research efforts in India, combining resources and expertise from various regions to explore potential cancer treatments derived from local plant species.

18) Discussion:
The 'Discussion' section of scientific research is where results are interpreted, contextualized, and linked to existing literature. It allows authors to explore implications, limitations, and potential future research directions, as seen in the authors' exploration of Albizia lebbeck's cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.

19) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Though primarily focused on cytotoxicity rather than antibacterial properties, 'Antibiotic' relates to the traditional use of plants like Albizia lebbeck for their antimicrobial effects. This highlights the multifaceted therapeutic potential of plant extracts, which may include both anti-cancer and antibiotic activities.

20) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan, a state in India, is mentioned as the location of one of the author's affiliations. This context emphasizes the regional plant biodiversity and the exploration of local flora's medicinal value, such as the bark of Albizia lebbeck, for potential cancer treatment.

21) Reason:
'Reason' pertains to the rationale behind the study, reflecting the need for effective cancer treatments that are less harmful than conventional therapies. This study aims to validate traditional medicine through scientific research, contributing justification for the exploration of natural products in pharmacological applications.

22) Eagle:
In this context, 'Eagle' refers to the term 'Eagle's medium,' which is a specific type of culture medium used in cell biology research. It provides the necessary nutrients for growing culture cells, crucial for conducting the assays central to this study on cancer cell lines.

23) Pune:
Pune is a city in India, mentioned as the location of the National Centre for Cell Sciences from which the cell lines used in this study were procured. This highlights the importance of central research facilities in facilitating collaborative biomedical research across different institutions in India.

24) Ghat (Gham):
'Ghat' refers to the Eastern Ghats, a range of mountains in South India where the bark samples of Albizia lebbeck were collected. This region is significant for its rich biodiversity, providing a natural resource for exploring the medicinal properties of native plants in cancer treatment.

25) Tree:
'Tree' signifies Albizia lebbeck, the species of interest in this study. It highlights the importance of trees in traditional medicine and their potential to yield bioactive compounds that could serve as therapeutic agents against diseases like cancer, thereby bridging ecological conservation with health sciences.

26) Salt (Salty):
'Salt' in this context relates to the term 'salt' used in microbiological assays, specifically when discussing tetrazolium salts like MTT. These salts are utilized in cytotoxicity assays to quantify cell viability, playing a vital role in determining the efficacy of the treatment with plant extracts.

27) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
While 'Burn' directly refers to a medical condition, it also represents the traditional uses of plants like Albizia lebbeck to treat various ailments, including burns. This relevance extends to the exploration of herbal remedies for a range of health issues, emphasizing holistic approaches in natural medicine.

28) Post:
In this context, 'Post' pertains to a postgraduate research institute, indicating the academic level of research involved. The mention of such institutes underscores the role that higher education and research facilities play in advancing knowledge in pharmacology and the exploration of natural products.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Cytotoxic effects of Albizia lebbeck methanol bark extract on cells’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Active principle, Breast cancer, Statistical analysis, Microscopic examination, In vitro, Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, MTT assay, Cytotoxic activity, Cell viability, Dose-dependent manner, Phytochemical studies, IC50 value, Methanol extract, Bioactive compound, Cancer treatment, Cytotoxic effect, Culture medium, In vitro cytotoxic activity, Plant source, Apoptotic activity.

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