Assessment of Cytotoxicity of Aqueous Extract of Euphorbia hirta against Human Lung Carcinoma and Vero Cell Line

Abstract

Objective of the study was to assess the cytotoxicity of aqueous extract of Euphorbia hirta against human lung carcinoma (NCIH-522) and vero cell line. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of an aqueous extract of E. hirta was studied. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to assess cytotoxicity of aqueous extract of E. hirta. Doxorubicin was considered as standard reference drug. Concentrations at range 1000-0.05 μg/ml of extract and doxorubicin were used. FTIR spectrum of aqueous extract of E. hirta was showed five peaks/centers such as 762.036, 1283.392, 1411.548, 2235.839 and 3749.054 at the wavelength region of 4000.00-650.00 cm−1. The 50% cell growth inhibition of aqueous extract of E. hirta and doxorubicin was 679.74 μg/ml and 531.14 μg/ml against human lung carcinoma cell line. It was 1363.65 μg/ml and 2392.71 μg/ml against normal vero cell line respectively. Aqueous extract of E. hirta was showed a good cytotoxic effect against human lung carcinoma cell line. It was due to the presence of functional group of phytocompounds detected in FTIR studies. The extract was found to be safe against normal vero cell line. Hence, E. hirta can be used as a good source of cytotoxic compounds. The isolation, identification, and elucidation of underlying mechanisms of these compounds will require and that could lead to develop alternative and complementary drugs useful in the treatments of tumors or cancers. Further, there is need to expand these studies using in vivo experiments, mechanistic-based assays such as tunnal, caspcase, and flow cytometry.