Screening of Cytotoxic Activity of Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) Nanoparticles from Butea monosperma on MCF‑7 Cells

Background: Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) has been used as an antimicrobial and disinfectant agent. Nevertheless, there are limited data about antitumor potential. This study was focused on investigating cytotoxic effects of Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) from Butea monosperma flower extract on MCF -7 breast cancer cells and its mechanism of action. Materials and Methods: Thus, a green method was created for the synthesis of Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) using an aqueous extract of B. monosperma flower. Synthesis of Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) was described by different analytical techniques including ultraviolet‑visible spectrophotometer, field‑emission scanning electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Cell viability was determined by the 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured using probe 2’,7’‑dichlorofluorescein diacetate and intracellular calcium (Cai2+) was evaluated with probe flu3‑AM. Cells were treated with different concentrations of Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) (1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL). Results: The results showed that Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) hindered cell growth in a dose‑dependent manner. Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) appeared to have dose‑dependent cytotoxicity against MCF‑7 cells through activation of the ROS generation and an increase in the intracellular Cai2+ (half‑maximal inhibitory concentration 52 ± 3.14). Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this preliminary study demonstrated that Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) from B. monosperma flower extract may be a potential therapeutic potential medicament for human breast cancer treatment.