Antiproliferative and apoptotic effect of Knobweed (Hyptis capitata) root methanol extract on WiDr colorectal cancer cells

Abstract

Methanol extract of Knobweed (Hyptis capitata) root has cytotoxic activity on WiDr cells, but the mechanism of its anticancer action as well as the secondary metabolite contents have not been further explored. This study aimed to extract the roots of H. capitata by a graded maceration, using absolute chloroform, and absolute methanol. Methanol extract was used for subsequent assays to trace the mechanism of anti-cancer action. Tests carried out include a doubling time test with the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, as well as an apoptosis test with Annexin V-PI Flow cytometry method. The secondary metabolite content was identified by the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that, H. capitata root methanol extract treatment caused morphological changes on WiDr cells. Moreover, the treatment suppressed the cellular proliferation, indicating that it can provide an anti-proliferation effect. Furthermore, the extract treatment at IC50 and 2IC50 caused 65.45% and 97.6% of apoptosis cells, respectively. These results proved that H. capitata root methanolic extract has anticancer activity with anti-proliferation properties, and the ability to trigger apoptosis on WiDr cells. Phytochemical compounds that might play a role as anti-cancer, among others include chatecol, 9-hexadecanoic acid, hexadecanoid acid-ethyl ester, methyl stearate, ferruginol, retinoic acid, campesterol, stigmasterol, and γ-sitosterol.