Effects of Bauhinia purpurea leaf extracts on cytotoxicity and CCND1 gene expression in MCF-7 cells

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer ranks as a major cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, with CCND1 (Cyclin D1) gene overexpression contributing significantly to disease progression. Bauhinia purpurea, a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds, has shown antioxidant, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and antiproliferative properties, highlighting its potential as an anticancer agent. Methods: This study assessed the cytotoxic potential and modulation of CCND1 gene expression by B. purpurea leaf extracts obtained using 96% ethanol, ethyl acetate, and n-hexane, tested in vitro on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cytotoxicity was measured through the MTT assay following 48 h of treatment, while CCND1 expression levels were analyzed via qRT-PCR with GAPDH as the internal control. Results: Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, steroids/triterpenoids, and alkaloids within the extracts. After 48 h, the MTT assay indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited moderate cytotoxicity (IC50 = 88.5 μg/mL), the n-hexane fraction showed weak cytotoxicity (IC50 = 271.8 μg/mL), and the ethanol fraction displayed no cytotoxic effect (IC50 = 979.99 μg/mL). Gene expression analysis showed that all extracts significantly reduced CCND1 levels at IC25, IC50, and IC75, with effects comparable to doxorubicin (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Bauhinia purpurea leaf extracts showed solvent-dependent cytotoxicity and downregulated CCND1 gene expression comparable to doxorubicin, highlighting its potential as a phytopharmaceutical for breast cancer therapy via cell cycle inhibition.