In Vitro Evaluation of the Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Centella asiatica Extract on MDA-MB-231, SKOV3, and PANC-1 Cancer Cell Lines
Karthika Periyasami, Rajasekaran Raja, Jaie Kiran Patankar, Vinodhini ShanmugamIntroduction:
Centella asiatica (C. asiatica) is known for its rich bioactive compounds that promote health and antineoplastic potential. The study aimed to compare different physical extraction conditions and evaluate the biological properties in a suitable model system.
Methods:
Leaves of C. asiatica were subjected to various drying methods, including hot-air oven drying, cabinet drying, and shade drying. GC-MS analysis was used to characterize bioactive principles. Preliminary studies of the cytotoxic effects in vitro on human triple-negative breast (MDA-MB-231), ovarian (SKOV3), and pancreatic (PANC-1) cancer cell lines were performed. The best extract was additionally evaluated for subsets of functional assays, apoptotic assays, and corroborated with the in silico model.
Results:
GC-MS analysis showed the presence of bioactive compounds, including phenols, alkaloids, diterpenes, and essential fatty acids. Cell-based cytotoxicity assays revealed that the C. asiatica extracts VSD, V5C, and V5H showed dose-dependent reductions in cell viability in the MDA-MB-231, SKVO3, and PANC-1 cell lines. In VSD (shade-dried) against MDA-MB- 231, a significant reduction in viability was observed, with an IC50 of 1.6 mg/ml. The selected concentration of VSD extract showed increased apoptosis as assessed by Hoechst staining. VSD significantly inhibited migration and colony-forming ability and increased cellular ROS in the MDA-MB-231 cell line.
Discussion:
The current findings demonstrate that C. asiatica methanol has strong anticancer potential. Among the techniques, shade drying showed the greatest effectiveness and enhanced bioactivity in MDA-MB-231 cells, suggesting better extraction of thermolabile compounds. The further VSD extract showed cell death via multiple cellular mechanisms.
Conclusion:
Shade-dried extract of C. asiatica showed good anticancer properties in the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Further evaluation in higher-order models will substantiate the findings, along with current treatment regimens.