Assessment of cytotoxicity ofPortulaca oleraceaLinn. against human colon adenocarcinoma and vero cell line.
BACKGROUND
Portulaca oleraceaLinn. (Portulacaceae) is commonly known as purslane in English. In traditional system it is used to cure diarrhea, dysentery, leprosy, ulcers, asthma, and piles, reduce small tumors and inflammations.


OBJECTIVE
To assess cytotoxic potential of chloroform extract ofP. oleraceawhole plant against human colon adenocarcinoma (HCT-15) and normal (Vero) cell line.


METHODS
Characterization of chloroform extract ofP. oleraceaby Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed. Cytotoxicity (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay was used for assessment of cytotoxic potential of chloroform extract ofP. oleracea. The concentrations of 1000-0.05 μg/ml were used in the experiment. Doxorubicin was considered as standard reference drug.


RESULTS
FTIR spectrum showed the peak at 1019.52 and 1396.21 center. The 50% cell growth inhibition (IC50) of chloroform extract ofP. oleraceaand doxorubicin was 1132.02 μg/ml and 460.13 μg/ml against human colon adenocarcinoma and 767.60 μg/ml and 2392.71 μg/ml against Vero cell line, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Chloroform extract ofP. oleraceawhole plant was less efficient or does not have cytotoxic activity against human colon adenocarcinoma cell line. It was not safe to normal Vero cell line. But, there is a need to isolate, identify, and confirm the phytoconstituents present in extract by sophisticated analytical techniques.
Department of Pharmacology, Sandip Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sandip Foundation, Nashik, Maharashtra, India.
Prashant Y
PY
Mali
3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay; Fourier transform infrared; Portulaca oleracea; human colon adenocarcinoma; purslane