EVALUATION OF ANTI-CANCER PROPERTIES OF HEARTWOOD OF Caesalpinia sappan

Objectives: To evaluate the anti-cancer potential of the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan. Methods: The extraction of the plant material was done using ethyl acetate, methanol and water. Cytotoxicity evaluated using MTT assay. Apoptosis potential was evaluated by cell cycle analysis and Hoechst staining techniques. In vivo anticancer evaluation performed by the Ehrlich’s ascites carcinoma model and anti-inflammatory study performed using Carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. Results: Methanol and water extracts exhibited marked cytotoxic activity against human cancer cell lines such as HeLa, MDA MB, A 549, and HCT-15 in the MTT assay. An evaluation of the apoptotic potential of the water extract on HeLa cells also was performed using flow cytometry and Hoechst staining techniques. The DNA histograms obtained from the cell cycle analysis were apoptotic in nature and the fluorescent microscopic picture revealed the condensation and fragmentation of the nuclei in the treated cells. The in vivo study in albino mice using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model resulted in an increase in the life span. Conclusion: The water extract obtained from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan has shown promising cytotoxic and apoptotic potential. The in vivo anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract were also promising.