Anti-Proliferative and Apoptosis-Inducing Activity of Acacia Modesta and Opuntia Monocantha Extracts on HeLa Cells

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Numerous phytochemicals from plants have shown antineoplastic effects via programmed cell death (apoptosis). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity of Acacia modesta and Opuntia monocantha against HeLa cells. METHODS: To estimate anti-proliferative activity of the plants against HeLa cells, ethanol solvent was used for the extraction. For the evaluation of anti-proliferative effects, MTT assay was performed with 100, 200, and 400 µg/mL dose. The antioxidant assays including glutathione reductase (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were performed. Moreover, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed. Furthermore, immunocytometry P53 and flow cytometry were also carried out to assess the apoptosis in HeLa cell. RESULTS: MTT assay showed that the groups treated with Opuntia monocantha and Acacia modest have less level of toxicity as compared to untreated groups. Antioxidant assays confirmed that GSH, SPD and, catalase activities were quite decreased in treated groups as compared to untreated groups. Similarly, ELISA and apoptosis p53 have shown more pronounced apoptosis effect in treated groups as compared to untreated groups. CONCLUSION: Based on above findings, treatment of HeLa cells with these plant extracts induced apoptosis, restricts proliferation, and enhances the anti-oxidative index in post treated cells.