Anticancer Activity of n-Hexane and Acetone Leaf Extracts from Delonix regia (Gul Mohar) on HeLa (Cervical) and Prostate Cell Lines

Objective: The purpose of this study was evaluation of the anticancer activity of n-hexane and acetone leaf extracts obtained from Delonix regia on BJ (normal fibroblast), cervical (HeLa), and prostate cell lines. Study Design and Setting: This in vitro study was designed to assess the cytotoxic effects of leaf extracts from D. regia. The leaves were harvested, dried, and then subjected to extraction using hexane and acetone. The resulting extracts were concentrated and prepared for analysis. The effects of these extracts were evaluated on HeLa and prostate cell lines under standard laboratory conditions. Methodology: MTT colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of leaf extracts. Cell cultures were prepared and introduced into the plates. Different concentrations of extracts were added, and reduction of MTT to formazan within cells was measured. The cytotoxicity was monitored as the concentration causing 50% growth inhibition (IC50) for cell lines. Results: Results show that the acetone extract exhibits moderate inhibition (36.29%) on cervical cell lines, while the nhexane extract demonstrates higher inhibition (55.84%) on the same cell line. However, both extracts are inactive on prostate cell lines. On BJ cell lines, both extract showing significant inhibition (69.68% & 61.32%) respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion n-hexane extracts of D. regia exhibited more cytotoxic activity than acetone leaf extract. Although, D. regia possessed some anticancer activity potential however its efficacy is not comparable to doxorubicin. The study suggests further exploration of acetone and n-hexane extracts from D. regia as potential anticancer agents.