In vitro evaluation of porcupine bezoar extracts as anticancer agent on A549 -A preliminary study

Porcupine bezoar (PB) was reported to possess medicinal properties in old medical manuscript. However, its potential as anticancer agent on human lung cancer cells (A549) is not yet studied. In present study, porcupine bezoar was tested to observe its ability in inhibiting cell growth of cancer cell (A549) and its cytotoxicity on Normal Human Gingival Fibroblast Cell (HGF-1). A549 cells morphology was observed after treated with bezoars for 72 hours. The ability of bezoars to induce DNA damage and apoptosis was analyzed by staining cells with Hoechst 33428(nucleus) and Rhodamine Phalloidin (f-actin). The A549 IC50 is 13.6±1.58μg/ml A549 growths was inhibited in dose-dependent pattern, but no inhibition found on normal HGF-1 cells. Treated A549 morphology shows sign of apoptosis such as DNA fragmentation, cytoplasm shrunk and vacuolation. The finding in this study suggests PB extracts able to inhibit cell growth, induce DNA damage and apoptosis, further analysis need to be done to verify the mechanism

Anticancer activity of grassy Hystrix brachyura bezoar and its mechanisms of action: An in vitro and in vivo based study

Porcupine bezoar (PB) is a calcified undigested material generally found in porcupine’s (Hystrix brachyura) gastrointestinal tract. The bezoar is traditionally used in South East Asia and Europe for the treatment of cancer, poisoning, dengue, typhoid, etc. However, limited scientific studies have been performed to verify its anticancer potential to substantiate its traditional claims in the treatment of cancers. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of two grassy PB aqueous extract (PB-A and PB-B) using A375 cancer cell line and zebrafish model, respectively. This paper presents the first report on in vitro A375 cell viability assay, apoptosis assay, cell cycle arrest assay, migration assay, invasion assay, qPCR experimental assay and in vivo anti-angiogenesis assay using the grassy PBs. Experimental findings revealed IC50 value are 26.59 ± 1.37 μg/mL and 30.12 ± 3.25 μg/mL for PB-A and PB-B respectively. PBs showed anti-proliferative activity with no significant cytotoxic effect on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF). PBs were also found to induce apoptosis via intrinsic pathway and arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase. Additionally, the findings indicated its ability to debilitate migration and invasion of A375 cells. Further evaluation using embryo zebrafish model revealed LC50 = 450.0 ± 2.50 μg/mL and 58.7 ± 5.0 μg/mL for PB-A and PB-B which also exerted anti-angiogenesis effect in zebrafish. Moreover, stearic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and pregnenolone were identified as possible metabolites that might contribute to the anticancer effect of the both PBs. Overall, this study demonstrated that PB-A and PB-B possess potential in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects which are elicited through selective cytotoxic effect, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of migration and invasion and anti-angiogenesis. This study provides scientific evidence that the porcupine bezoar do possess anti-cancer efficacy and further justifies its traditional utility. However, more experiments with higher vertebrae models are still warranted to validate its traditional claims as an anticancer agent

The influence of emotional intelligence on employee’s job performance in the southern state of Malaysia

This study aims to investigate whether emotional intelligence was related to job performance among the operators in one manufacturing company in Johor. Emotional intelligence was measured by the Emotional Intelligence Scale, while job performance was assessed by Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ). Data for this study were collected from 118 operators of one manufacturing company in the southern state of Malaysia. The findings show that the level of emotional intelligence was found moderate while the level of job performance was found high. The result from Smart PLS shows that there is a significant moderate correlation between emotional intelligence and job performance among the operators. The findings indicate that emotional intelligence has a relationship with job performance. A few recommendations were suggested that are organization can improve the low level of emotional intelligence by training intervention and the organization also needs to create awareness by initiating a program about emotional intelligence for the employees. Suggestions were also provided for future research including collecting data from the perspective of employees and employers about the studied variables

An in vitro anticancer activity evaluation of neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) bosser leaves’ extract and its metabolite profile

The leaves of Neolamarckia cadamba (NC) (Roxb.) Bosser (family: Rubiaceae) aretraditionally used to treat breast cancer in Malaysia; however, this traditional claim is yet to be scientifically verified. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of NC leaves’ ethanol extract against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells) using an in vitro cell viability, cytotoxicity, and gene expression assays followed by the gas chromatography analysis to further confirm active principles. Results revealed 0.2 mg/ml as the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against MCF-7. The extract exerted anticancer effect against MCF-7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cell cycle assay showed that the extract arrested MCF-7 cells in the G0/G1 phase, and apoptosis was observed after 72 h by the Annexin-V assay. The gene expression assay revealed that the cell cycle arrest was associated with the downregulation of CDK2 and subsequent upregulation of p21 and cyclin E. The extract induced apoptosis via the mediation of the mitochondrial cell death pathways. A chromatography analysis revealed the contribution of D-pinitol and myo-inositol as the two major bioactive compounds to the activity observed. Overall, the study demonstrated that NC leaves’ ethanol extract exerts anticancer effect against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, thereby justifying its traditional use for the treatment of breast cancer in Malaysia

An In Vitro Anticancer Activity Evaluation of Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser Leaves’ Extract and its Metabolite Profile

The leaves of Neolamarckia cadamba (NC) (Roxb.) Bosser (family: Rubiaceae) are traditionally used to treat breast cancer in Malaysia; however, this traditional claim is yet to be scientifically verified. Hence, this study was aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of NC leaves’ ethanol extract against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7 cells) using an in vitro cell viability, cytotoxicity, and gene expression assays followed by the gas chromatography analysis to further confirm active principles. Results revealed 0.2 mg/ml as the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against MCF-7. The extract exerted anticancer effect against MCF-7 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The cell cycle assay showed that the extract arrested MCF-7 cells in the G0/G1 phase, and apoptosis was observed after 72 h by the Annexin-V assay. The gene expression assay revealed that the cell cycle arrest was associated with the downregulation of CDK2 and subsequent upregulation of p21 and cyclin E. The extract induced apoptosis via the mediation of the mitochondrial cell death pathways. A chromatography analysis revealed the contribution of D-pinitol and myo-inositol as the two major bioactive compounds to the activity observed. Overall, the study demonstrated that NC leaves’ ethanol extract exerts anticancer effect against MCF-7 human breast cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, thereby justifying its traditional use for the treatment of breast cancer in Malaysia

Cancer chemoprevention study of Luffa Aegyptiaca seed extract on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7)

Objectives/Research Problem: Breast cancer is a major health problem in Malaysia and the world. It is the commonest malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths. There are many conventional treatments available for breast cancer patients, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immune therapy, hormone therapy and many more. However, drug resistance acquired by cancer cells has led to treatment failure. Alternative treatment with minimum or no side effect is highly demanded. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the chemopreventive effect of Luffa aegyptiaca seed extract (LSE) on breast cancer through anti-proliferative effect and its mechanisms on breast cancer cell (MCF-7). It can be evaluated by result of IC₅₀ determination, cell proliferation assay and flow cytometer analysis on apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Materials and Method: MCF-7 cells were seeded at a density of 4.7 x 10⁴ cells/well. Trypan blue exclusion method was used to determine the viable cells using haemocytometer. The IC50 assay was determined against MCF-7 cell at different concentrations of LSE administration. The morphological changes of MCF-7 cells also were observed. MCF-7 cell and 3T3-L1 cell were treated with LSE at IC50 to evaluate the cell proliferation assay and cytotoxicity assay, respectively. The induction of apoptosis and alteration on cell cycle regulation will be assessed by flow cytometer. Results and Discussion: LSE showed the growth inhibitory effect with IC₅₀ value at 0.0625 mg/ml after 72 hours exposure. Morphological changes displaying apoptosis also had been observed upon treatment with LSE at IC50. Moreover, LSE showed no toxicity effect on normal cells (3T3-L1). Thus proved the potential chemopreventive agent of the extracts on MCF-7. The results for flow cytometric analysis are yet to be determined as the works are still in progress. Conclusion: Overall, the data collected provided new insight of using the Luffa aegyptiaca seed which can be used as chemopreventive agents on MCF-7. KEYWORDS: Cancer Chemoprevention, Breast Cancer, Luffa aegyptiaca, Anti-Proliferative Effect, IC₅₀ Determination, Apoptosis, Cell Cycle, MCF-

Cancer chemoprevention study of luffa aegyptiaca (sponge gourd) seed extract on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7)

Natural products from plant have been used for centuries to prevent various diseases including cancer. Many chemopreventive agents are believed to inhibit or delay the progression of cancer cells through suppression of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In Malaysia, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women. The prognosis for breast cancer is still poor and conventional treatment is not always effective. Therefore, this study aims to determine the chemopreventive effect of Luffa aegyptiaca seed extract (LSE) on breast cancer through anti-proliferative effect and its mechanisms on breast cancer cell (MCF-7) as evidenced by the result of IC50 determination, cell proliferation assay and flow cytometer analysis on apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. MCF-7 cells were plated at a density of 4.7 x 104 cells/ml in 6–well plate. Trypan blue exclusion method was used to determine cell viability. Untreated and LSE-treated MCF-7 cells were observed for morphological changes with an inverted-phase contrast microscope. The induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest was analysed using flow cytometry. LSE showed growth inhibitory effect with IC50 value at 0.0625 mg/ml. Moreover, LSE, show no toxic effect on normal cells possibly showing that it is a potential chemopreventive agent on MCF-7 via the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Overall, the data collected provides new insight for the use of Luffa aegyptiaca seed as a chmopreventive agent on MCF-7. Keywords: Luffa aegyptiaca; anti-proliferative effect; apoptosis; cell cycle; MCF-

Understanding of anti-cancer properties of neolamarckia cadamba leaves extract on breast cancer cell

Objectives/Research Problem: The increasing of breast cancer cases from year to year is really worrying. It is ranked as the most common cancer occurs and the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Although there are many advance treatments available, the long term effect of the treatments on the patients cannot be ensured. Effective, safe and non-toxic treatment of natural product is one of the best approaches in treating breast cancer and act as chemopreventive agent. Neolamarckia cadamba, an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, has been used by Indian folklore in treating illnesses. The variety of phytochemical compounds found and pharmacological activities in this Rubiaceae family plant indicates that it has a strong potential in treating cancer. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate anti-cancer properties of this plant on breast cancer cell. The present study is carried out to obtain a better understanding on chemopreventive effect of N. cadamba’s leaves on human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7). Materials and Method: N. cadamba leaves were extracted with 80% ethanol by sonication method. Different concentrations of N. cadamba leaves extract (NCE) were prepared by serial dilution (1:2). Then, the extracts were administered on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) assay was conducted by Trypan blue exclusion method to determine the cell viability. The IC50 value will be used to measure antiproliferative effect. The induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest will be evaluated using flow cytometry. The mechanism pathway which regard to apoptosis and cell cycle will be determined using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). Results and Discussion: The result found that the IC50 value of this extract was 0.125 mg/ml. It showed that the NCE have ability to inhibit growth of breast cancer cell. Meanwhile, the results for antiproliferative assay, flow cytometric analysis and qPCR analysis are yet to be determined as the works are still in progress. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the N. cadamba leaves extract has a potential against breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. KEYWORDS: Neolamarckia. cadamba, Leaves Extract, IC50, Breast Cance

Anticancer activity of grassy Hystrix brachyura bezoar and its mechanisms of action: An in vitro and in vivo based study

Porcupine bezoar (PB) is a calcified undigested material generally found in porcupine’s (Hystrix brachyura) gastrointestinal tract. The bezoar is traditionally used in South East Asia and Europe for the treatment of cancer, poisoning, dengue, typhoid, etc. However, limited scientific studies have been performed to verify its anticancer potential to substantiate its traditional claims in the treatment of cancers. Hence, this study was aimed at investigating the in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties of two grassy PB aqueous extract (PB-A and PB-B) using A375 cancer cell line and zebrafish model, respectively. This paper presents the first report on in vitro A375 cell viability assay, apoptosis assay, cell cycle arrest assay, migration assay, invasion assay, qPCR experimental assay and in vivo anti-angiogenesis assay using the grassy PBs. Experimental findings revealed IC50 value are 26.59 ± 1.37 μg/mL and 30.12 ± 3.25 μg/mL for PB-A and PB-B respectively. PBs showed anti-proliferative activity with no significant cytotoxic effect on normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF). PBs were also found to induce apoptosis via intrinsic pathway and arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase. Additionally, the findings indicated its ability to debilitate migration and invasion of A375 cells. Further evaluation using embryo zebrafish model revealed LC50=450.0 ± 2.50 μg/mL and 58.7 ± 5.0 μg/mL for PB-A and PB-B which also exerted anti-angiogenesis effect in zebrafish. Moreover, stearic acid, ursodeoxycholic acid and pregnenolone were identified as possible metabolites that might contribute to the anticancer effect of the both PBs. Overall, this study demonstrated that PB-A and PB-B possess potential in vitro and in vivo anticancer effects which are elicited through selective cytotoxic effect, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of migration and invasion and anti-angiogenesis. This study provides scientific evidence that the porcupine bezoar do possess anti-cancer efficacy and further justifies its traditional utility. However, more experiments with higher vertebrae models are still warranted to validate its traditional claims as an anticancer agent

Understanding of anti-cancer properties of Neolamarckia cadamba (Kalempayan) leaves extract on breast cancer cell

Natural products have been used in treating illnesses since ancient times. Neolamarckia cadamba (N. cadamba) plant, locally known as Kalempayan, is an Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used by Indian folklore for treatment such as fever, anaemia, stomatitis, and infectious diseases. This Rubiaceae family plant indicates that it has a therapeutic potential against diseases, including cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the chemopreventive effect of N. cadamba’s leaves extract (NCE) with regard to the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest against human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell-line (MCF-7). MCF-7 cells were seeded at 4.7 x 104 cells/well in 6-well plates. The cells were treated with series concentration of NCE. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of NCE and its antiproliferative effect were measured using Trypan blue exclusion method was determined as 0.125 mg/ml. The flow cytometric analysis was performed in MCF-7 revealed the NCE inhibited the cell proliferation through induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. The present study demonstrates that the NCE has a positive potential as a chemopreventive agent. Further research need to be done to identify the molecular mechanism related to induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cells