Evaluation of Acalypha indica Aerial Part Ethanol Extract for Anticancer Activity in MDA-MB-231 Cells Supported by GC-MS Chemical Fingerprinting
Rajadurai Ancy1, Selva Mabel Parimala1★★ Corresponding author
- 1Department of Zoology, Vector Biology and Pharmacology Research Centre, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
CORRESPONDENCE
Selva Mabel Parimala
Department of Zoology, Vector Biology and Pharmacology Research Centre, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai, Tamil Nadu, INDIA.
Received: 24-09-2025; Revised: 12-11-2025; Accepted: 09-12-2025.
Volume 14, Issue 3 · pp. 799–805 · PUBLISHED · DOI: 10.5530/ajbls.20250071
ABSTRACT
Background:Plant extracts, their parts, and active chemicals are used for many decades in cancer management. Aim:In this study, the aerial part (stems, leaves and flowers) of Acalypha indica (Family: Euphorbiaceae) was cold-extracted using ethanol solvent, and the anticancer activity was assessed using breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231. Materials and Methods: The work investigated the cytotoxic effect of Acalypha indica using various cytological methods like MTT assay, DNA ladder assay, AO/EB dual staining method and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP) assay in different extract concentrations ranging from 20 to 100 μg/mL. GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the compounds. Results: Changes in the shape and appearance of both untreated and extract-treated cells were viewed under a digital inverted microscope after 24 hr and recorded as images. The ethanol extract of A. indica showed toxic effects on cancer cells, reducing their survival in a dose-dependent way. IC50 value was calculated as 59.97 μg/ mL. DNA ladder assay suggests extensive cytogenetic damage in the extract-treated cells. The AO/EB assay and MMP assay results show apoptosis of varying degrees in the extract-treated cells. 60 plant compounds were identified by GC-MS analysis. Conclusion:Thus, this preliminary study indicates that the ethanol-extracted Acalypha indica aerial parts can be used to treat breast cancer. Further pharmacological activities and phytochemical study is required to confirm its potential.
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Ancy, R., & Parimala, S. M. (). Evaluation of Acalypha indica Aerial Part Ethanol Extract for Anticancer Activity in MDA-MB-231 Cells Supported by GC-MS Chemical Fingerprinting. Asian Journal of Biological and Life sciences, 14(3), 799–805. https://doi.org/10.5530/ajbls.20250071