The Selective Cytotoxicity of Ethanolic Extract of Annona muricata Leaf on HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells

Abstract

Cancer is one of threatening diseases that is now increasing in prevalence. The problem in managing this disease is not only due to its expensive cost of therapy but also the side effect following the use of non selective chemotherapeutic agent. This research aimed to evaluate the potential cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaves against HeLa cervical cancer cell and its selectivity by comparing the effect on HeLa and Vero cells line. The cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated on HeLa and Vero cell line using MTT assay method. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was confirmed by observing the dead cells using Ethidium Bromide-Acridin Double staining method. The 50% inhibition of cell growth (IC50) value of the extract for HeLa cervical cancer cell line was 97 µg/ml and the value for Vero Cell line was 356 µg/ml. Dead cells observed using double staining method for HeLa cells treated with IC50 concentration of the extract confirmed the cytotoxic activity of the compound. This cytotoxic effect was not observed in Vero cell treated with the same concentration of the extract. This result indicated the potential of selective anticancer activity of ethanolic extract of Annona muricata leaves.