The Potential of Cratoxylum formosum as Novel Therapy Against Breast Cancer

Abstract

This study investigates the potential anticancer properties of Cratoxylum formosum extracts against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Cratoxylum formosum extracts were obtained using three different solvents: methanol, ethanol, and water. Extraction involved maceration and freeze-drying, resulting in extracts with varied concentrations and colors. MTT assays were employed to assess cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231 cells, Vero cells, and EpH4-EV cells. The results indicated a concentration-dependent increase in MDA-MB-231 cell viability, notably with the ethanol extract, suggesting potential growth inhibition of cancer cells. Probit analysis yielded IC50 values of 0.69 µg/mL, 0.72 µg/mL, and 1.73 µg/mL for ethanol, methanol, and water extracts, respectively, highlighting their potential as potent anticancer agents. While the ethanol extract demonstrates a smaller IC50, indicating high potency, it also exhibited toxicity to healthy cells. Conversely, the water extract showed a larger IC50, implying a lower inhibitory effect on cancer cells with reduced toxicity to healthy cells, suggesting a potential balance between efficacy and safety. The study suggests that C. formosum extracts may induce apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells, emphasizing their potential as selective inhibitors of cancer cell growth. This research significantly contributes to understanding the diverse bioactive components in C. formosum and their potential applications in developing targeted anticancer therapies.