Effects of Murdannia loriformis extracts on cancer cell growth

Murdannia loriformis (M. loriformis) has long been used as a folk herb in cancer related therapy.  Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the anti-proliferative effect of the plant. Methods: Immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT), and cell lines derived from oral (HN4, HN12), breast (MCF7) and colon (HT29) carcinomas were used in the study. Air-dried whole part of M. loriformis was extracted with 95% ethanol at room temperature for 24 h. The filtrates were evaporated using a rotatory evaporator. Cells were exposed to 0, 20, 40, 80 and 100 microgram/ml of M. loriformis extracts for 72 h. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by MTT assay and DAPI staining, respectively. Results: MTT assay revealed that M. loriformis extracts could not inhibit the growth of HaCaT cells. In contrast, significant reduction of cell growth was observed in HT29 and MCF7 cells when they were exposed to M loriformis extracts (20-100 microgram/ml). However, the plant had no effect on the proliferation of HN4 and HN12 cell lines. The results from DAPI staining were correlated well with those obtained from MTT assay. Conclusion: M. loriformis extracts exert an inhibitory effect on the cell growth of breast and colon carcinomas through the apoptosis mediated pathway.