Induction of Bax and Activation of Caspases Hydro Ethanoic Leaf Extract of Citrullus colocynthis(L)- Mediated Apoptosis in Human Liver Cancer Cells Hep G2

Introduction: Citrullus colocynthis is a desert plant of the cucurbitaceae family. C. colocynthis grows in many countries with semi dry lands and that seeds are rich in oil which can encourage their sustainable agriculture to produce an economic biodiesel with a competitive price. Apoptosis, also termed as programmed cell death this is a key regulator of tissue homeostasis.

Aim of the Study: To study the induction of bax and activation of caspases hydro ethanolic leaf extract of Citrullus colocynthis (L)- mediated apoptosis in human liver cancer cells Hep G2.

Materials and Methods: In the present study, a human liver cancer cell line was procured from the National Centre for Cell science (NCCS), Pune, India. The cytotoxic potential of plant extract was analysed by MTG assay. mRNA expression of BaxmRNA and caspase-mRNA were analysed by Real-Time PCR using gene specific primers and a comparative CT method was used to analyse expression of genes. The data were analysed statistically using Graph pad prism software Version 5.

Results: MTT analysis showed that Citrullus colocynthis a significant increase in proliferation of human liver cancer cells (P<0.05) compared to untreated cells. However, 400 and 500 /g of the extract showed maximum effect in controlling cell growth. Results of the <mRNA expression analysis showed that Citrullus colocynthis reduced the expression of BaxmRNA/ caspase-mRNA in human liver cancer cells at 400 and 500 /g (P<0.05).

Discussion: The anticancer effect of Citrullus colocynthis has been via a variety of pathways which includes apoptotic pathway, anti-inflammatory traits, and antioxidant pathway, etc [1]. Effect of HEAM on the mRNA level of tumor related genes (p53, Bcl-2), inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6 and c-jun) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines. Representative photographs of ethidium-bromide-stained 2% agarose gels for each gene after 7 months of treatment.

Conclusion: The hydroethanolic leaf extract obtained from the Citrullus colocynthis exhibited anti-proliferative effect on human liver cancer cells HepG2 cell line by affecting the expression of the Bax mRNA and Bax mRNA and hindering the cell viability. Hence, it can be a great scope for using the extract into medicinal properties with further studies to improve herbal medicine for cancer over expensive drugs.