Anti-Cancer Effects of Saraca asoca Flower Extract on Prostate Cancer Cell Line

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths for men. The role of plants in the prevention and treatment of disease has been known from the dawn of civilization. Plants maintain the health and vitality of individuals and also cure diseases, including cancer without causing toxicity. More than 50% of all modern drugs in clinical use are of natural products, many of which have the ability to control cancer cells. Saraca Asoca (Roxb.), De. Wild or Saraca indica is one of the most ancient trees of India

Aim: Aim of this study is to investigate the anti-cancer effects of Saraca Asoca flower extract on prostate cancer cell line.

Materials and Methods: The anti-cancer effects of Saraca Asoca extract on prostate cancer cell lines was assessed by cell viability assay, cell and nuclear morphological studies. The multiple concentration of Saraca Asoca extract (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 µg/ml) was used and IC50 doses were calculated.

Results: The MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay results showed the percentage of cell viability significantly decreased in treated cells compared to control groups without any treatment was represented as 100% and we observed inhibitory concentration was 60µg/ml. Morphologic changes observed showed cell shrinkage, and cytoplasmic membrane blebbing, were observed under phase-contrast microscope. The apoptotic nuclei (intensely stained, fragmented nuclei, and condensed chromatin) were viewed under a fluorescent microscope.

Conclusion: Overall, the present study results demonstrated the cytotoxic and proapoptotic effects of Saraca Asoca flower extract on prostate cancer cell line. However, more research is needed to understand the active prinsciple compounds present in the extract and molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer effects.