Science Letters

Cassia fistula Seed Extract Enhances Apoptosis in HeLa Cell Line via activating Annexin V and p53

Sana Javaid Awan*, Kanza Tariq, Ghazanfer Ali Nasir, Wajjiha Batool, Muneeb Ahmed Sheraz, Sajjad Ahmed, Tahir Maqbool, Usman Ali, Farheen Ansari

Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Cancer is one of the top causes of death in the prosperous countries. Conventional plants are a precious source of novel cytotoxic agents and are still performing superior role in health concerns. The study was aimed to evaluate the effect of in vitro anticancer activity of Cassia fistula (CF) seed extracts against the HeLa cell line and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs). CF seeds were extracted using three solvents (ethanol, ethyl acetate and petroleum ether). For the estimation of anti-proliferation in HeLa cells and UC-MSCs, MTT assay and for cell viability, trypan blue and crystal violet assays were done. Angiogenic potential was checked via immunocytochemistry and ELISA of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Immunocytochemistry of annexin-V and p53 was performed for the estimation of apoptosis in HeLa cells and UC-MSCs. Furthermore, ELISA for annexin-V, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and antioxidant enzymes activity assays were also performed. The seed extract showed reduced viability, angiogenesis and proliferation of HeLa cells with increased apoptosis. Whereas, anti-oxidative enzymes showed higher activity in seed extract treated cancer cells as compared to untreated cells. It was observed that the CF seed extract could induce apoptosis and improve the antioxidant status of HeLa cells along with the inhibition of proliferation and angiogenesis, especially, when extraction was done with ethyl acetate.