Aqueous Leaf Extract of Clinacanthus nutans Inhibits Growth and Induces Apoptosis via the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Pathways in MDA‑MB‑231 Human Breast Cancer Cells

Objectives: The study aimed to assess the anticancer efficacy and associated mechanisms of the crude aqueous extract of C. nutans leaves (cCN) in MDA‑MB‑231 triple‑negative human breast cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The metabolic viability of the MDA‑MB‑231 cells following respective treatments with cCN was measured using an adenosine triphosphate luminescent assay. The mode of cell death in MDA‑MB‑231 cells induced by cCN was examined using a luminescence‑ and fluorescence‑based assay and the mechanisms involved were evaluated by comparative analysis of gene expression by reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Dose‑ and time‑dependent growth inhibition of MDA‑MB‑231 cells by cCN was observed (IC50: 191.20 µg/mL). cCN also induced apoptotic cell death in the treated cells via the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways by affecting the mRNA expression levels of Bad, Bax, Bcl‑2, Bcl‑xL, and FasL. Conclusion: These results suggest that C. nutans can be used as a potential agent in the treatment and prevention of breast cancer.