In vitro Antitumor Potential of Methanol Extract of Mimosa pudica in Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Objectives: The present study was conducted to assess the anticancer activity of methanol extract of whole plant of M. pudica (MMP) in MCF‑7 and MDA‑MB‑231 breast cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The antitumor activity of MMP was analyzed using 3‑(4,5‑dimethyl thazol‑2‑yl)‑2, 5‑diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay in MCF‑7 and MDA‑MB‑231 cell lines. The cytological and metabolic alterations due to MMP were evaluated using acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining, hoechst 33258 and fluoroprobe, benzimidazol‑carbocyanine iodide 5, 5’, 6, 6’‑tetrachloro‑1, 1’, 3,3’‑tetra ethyl (JC‑1) staining. Real‑time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were carried out to assess Bcl‑2, the antiapoptotic gene, and protein expression, respectively. Qualitative analysis and gas chromatography high‑resolution mass spectrometry were performed for the presence of various phytochemicals. Results: The methanol extract exhibited a potent antitumor activity in both the cell lines in vitro. Conclusion: The plant extract was showing the mode of action through intrinsic pathway of apoptotic cell death and may be studied further to develop a potent drug against breast cancer.