Invitro anticancer effect of D. Mespiliformis stem back chloroform extract against breast cancer cell lines MCF-7

Abstract

Breast cancer is among the most prevalent cancers in Nigeria constituting aipproximately 27% of all new cases and representing a significant and growing public health concern. The impact of cancers continues to grow due to several factors, leading to an estimated mortality of up to 10 million annually. Medicinal plants have been utilized widely for treatment of diseases including cancer. This study evaluated the phytochemical analysis and cytotoxic effects of D. mespiliformis stem bark extract against human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7). The extract was prepared using D. mespiliformis stem bark and chloroform as a solvent. The phytochemical constituents were identified using qualitative method. The anticancer effect was determined using cell titre Glo pro mega assay while total intracellular glutathione (GSH) was measured to assess whether redox imbalance contributed to the observed cytotoxic response. The phytochemical screening of the extract reveals the presence of important compounds. At 48 hours, the extract exhibited a strong cytotoxic effect (IC₅₀ of 21.75 µg/mL) against MCF-7 cells while sparing MCF-10. Mechanistic assessment showed that the extract reduced intracellular GSH levels in MCF-7 cells, indicating that glutathione depletion and oxidative stress may be involved in the cytotoxic effect. The cytotoxicity of the extract might be attributed to the presence of important secondary metabolites. The findings from the present study highlights the chemopreventive potential of D. mespiliformis stem chloroform extract against MCF-7 breast Cancer cell. Further studies are required to isolate the active constituents, confirm the molecular mechanism and evaluate safety in broader experimental models.