Anti-cancer properties of diethylether extract of wood from Sukun (Artocarpus altilis) in human breast cancer (T47D) cells

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the anti-cancer properties of the diethylether extract of Sukun (Artocarpus altilis) wood. Methods: The extract was tested in human T47D breast cancer cells and examined for its effect on cell viability, nuclear morphology and sub-G1 formation. Cell viability was determined by microculture tetrazolium technique (MTT), nuclear morphology investigated using 4'-6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining technique, and cell cycle progression monitored by sub-G1 apoptosis assay using flow cytometry. Results: The results showed decreasing cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Altered cell morphology after treatment with the extract demonstrated that cells experienced apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis indicated that the number of cells in sub-G1 phase rose with increasing concentrations of the extract. Conclusion: The data demonstrate that Sukun wood extract induced apoptosis and sub-G1 phase formation in breast cancer (T47D) cells, and therefore, has a potential as an anti-cancer agent. © Pharmacotherapy Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin. All rights reserved.