Anticancer Effect of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) on Oral Cancer Cells

Objectives: Morinda citrifolia L (Noni) has been reported to contain broad therapeutic effects including anticancer activity. However, with all beneficial effects mentioned, the underlying mechanism has not been clearly explained. In this study, we examined whether Morinda citrifolia L could affect viability, invasion and metalloproteinase (MMP) activity of primary (HN4) and metastatic (HN12) oral cancer cells. Methods: Noni fruits were extracted with water under boiling for 30 min. Cell viability was determined using Trypan blue exclusion after incubation with and without Noni extract at 37⁰C for 48 h. Cell invasion was assessed using Matrigel-based chemoinvasion assay. MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities were determined using gelatin-based zymography assay. Human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) was used as controls. Results: Noni extract (2%) could induce cell death in HN4 (91.5%), HN12 (100%) and HaCaT (53.5%), p<0.01. The pronounced inhibitory effect on cell invasion was observed in HN12 (81.41%) compared to HN4 (51.21%) and HaCaT (29.58%) (p<0.01). Noni extract significantly inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities in HN4 , HN12 and HaCaT (p< 0.01). Conclusion: These results indicated that Morinda citrifolia L (Noni) can modulate viability, invasion and MMPs production of oral cancer cell and therein may posses anticancer effect.