Phytochemicals and Cytotoxicity of Launaea procumbens on Human Cancer Cell Lines

BACKGROUND: The plant Launaea procumbens belongs to the family Asteraceae and traditionally used in the treatment rheumatism, kidney, liver dysfunctions and eye diseases. In the present study Phytochemical analysis and fractions of methanolic extract of L. procumbens leaves were tested in vitro for their cytotoxicity. OBJECTIVES: Phytochemical analysis and cytotoxic activity of methanolic extract and fractions of Launaea procumbens against four cancer cell lines K562, HeLa, MIA-Pa-Ca-2 and MCF-2 by SRB assay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Powdered leaves of Launaea procumbens were extracted sequentially with hexane, ethyl acetate, butanol and water by cold extraction. Phytochemical analysis and cytotoxicity assay were carried out for these fractions using SRB assay against four human cancer cell lines, namely leukemia (K562), cervix (HeLa), pancreatic (MIA-Pa-Ca-2) and breast (MCF-7). RESULTS: Ethyl acetate extract exerts potent cytotoxicity against human leukemia (K562), cervix (HeLa) and breast (MCF-7) cell lines IC(50) value of 25.30±0.50, 19.80±0.10 and 36.90±4.90 μg/ml respectively. Moderately cytotoxic effect found in hexane extract IC(50) value of 41±8 and 48.20±0.50 μg/ml against leukemia (K562), and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line respectively. The Chemical composition analyzed by GC-MS showed considerable differences in solvent fractions of Launaea procumbens. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the cytotoxic potential of ethyl acetate and hexane fractions of L. procumbens leaves on different cancer cell lines. SUMMARY: Ethyl acetate and Hexane fractions of Launaea procumbens plant exhibit cytotoxicity. Among the different fractions Ethyl acetate showed relatively higher cytotoxicity. Ethyl acetate found more cytotoxic against leukemia (K 562), cervix (HeLa) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. Moderete cytotoxicity found in hexane fraction against leukemia (K 562) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line. GC-MS results showed L. procumbens is a rich source of 1-H- pyrazole, 1-H-imidazole, β -amyrin, α -amyrin and lupeol. These compounds may be attributed for the cytotoxic activity. Abbreviations used: SRB: Sulforhodamine B assay, MW: Molecular weight