Flavonoid Rich Fraction of Methanol Extract of Capparis decidua Attenuates MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells

Background: The research investigated the mechanism behind the antiproliferative activity of Capparis decidua (Family: Capparaceae). Despite being tested for other cell lines, its mechanism of action is still not well established. Objectives: To evaluate the anticancer potential of the ethylacetate fraction of methanolic extract of C. decidua and explore the mechanism involved to validate its role in adjuvant therapy. Materials and Methods: This research, evaluated the ethylacetate fraction, through MTT, the cell viability assay. Reactive oxygen species, also known as ROS, generation was used to gauge the extent of oxidative stress in the cytosol. DAPI staining and mitochondrial membrane potential was also performed. Results: The methanolic extract and its ethylacetate fraction induced considerable ROS generation intracellularly, which might be ascribed to the several flavonoids as ascertained by total flavonoid content findings. Apoptosis mediated cell death was observed against MDA-MB231. The methanolic extract as well as the fraction exhibited cytotoxicity for both cell lines based on the dosage. It was discerned that ROS levels amplified, along with depletion of the mitochondrial membrane potential, led to consequent apoptosis of cancer cells. This study is the first report of its kind, that ethylacetate fraction induces breast cancer cell death via apoptosis vis a vis depletion in mitochondrial potential. Conclusion: We conclude better anticancer potential in ethylacetate fraction of methanolic extract, which may prove to be a cost-effective alternative for adjuvant therapy against breast cancer.