Ethanolic Extract of Averrhoa carambola Leaf Has an Anticancer Activity on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study
- PMID: 39861654
- PMCID: PMC11768879
- DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics17010002
Ethanolic Extract of Averrhoa carambola Leaf Has an Anticancer Activity on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Averrhoa carambola, or star fruit, is a shrub known for its medicinal properties, especially due to bioactive metabolites identified in its roots and fruit with anti-cancer activity. However, the biological effects of its leaves remain unexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of ethanolic extract from A. carambola leaves on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype lacking specific therapy. Methods: Phytochemical analysis and HPLC profile and additional cell line evaluation employing MDA-MB-231 were carried out. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that the ethanolic extract was rich in flavonoids, saponins, and steroids, demonstrating an antioxidant capacity of 45%. 1H NMR analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, and glycoside-like compounds. Cell viability assays showed a concentration-dependent decrease in viability, with an IC50 value of 20.89 μg/mL at 48 h. Clonogenic assays indicated significant inhibition of replicative immortality, with only 2.63% survival at 15 μg/mL. Migration, assessed through a wound healing assay, was reduced to 3.06% at 100 μg/mL, with only 16.23% of cells remaining attached. An additive effect was observed when combining lower concentrations of the extract with doxorubicin, indicating potential synergy. Conclusions: These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of A. carambola leaves contains metabolites with anti-cancer activity against TNBC cells, supporting further research into their bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential.
Keywords: Averrhoa carambola; MDA-MB-231 cells; breast cancer; flavonoids; polyphenols; traditional medicine; triple-negative breast cancer.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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