Evaluation of hydro-alcoholic extract of Eclipta alba for its anticancer potential: An in vitro study

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Eclipta alba is traditionally used as hepatoprotective agent. The study was designed to explore its antiproliferative activity on liver and other related cancer. Materials and methods: Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects of the Eclipta alba hydroalcoholic extract (EAE) was determined using MTT assay. The expression level of NF-kappa B was analysed by western blotting and RT PCR. Gelatin zymography was done for gelatinase matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and 9) analysis. Results: EAE inhibited the cell proliferation in dose dependent manner in HepG2. A498 and C6 glioma cell lines with an IC50 of 22 +/- 2.9, 25 +/- 3.6 and 50 +/- 8.7 mu g/ml, respectively. The expression of MMP (2 and 9) was down-regulated with EAE treatment. DNA damage was observed following 72 h of extract treatment, leading to apoptosis. Additionally, the expression level of NF-kappa B was evaluated with western blotting and RT-PCR and was found to be down-regulated/inactivated. Conclusions: The data establish the existence of anti-proliferative, DNA damaging and anti-metastasis properties in EAE which is yet unexplored and hold high therapeutic impact. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.