Cytotoxicity Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Anthocleista djalonensis Root Extracts against Cancer Cells

ABSTRACT

Aim: Several medicinal uses have been reported for Anthocleista djalonensis and many types of pure compounds have been isolated. However, the anti-cancer activity of this plant has not been proven. The aim of this study was to screen for the phytochemicals present in the rootn-hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetone extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis, and to evaluate its anticancer potential against human cervix adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa cells) in vitro. Place and Duration of Study The study was carried out in Department of Organic Chemistry, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa. The duration period was between March and July, 2016. Methodology: Extracts were prepared by soaking the root powder in the respective solvents with continuous stirring; The extracts were filtered and evaporated to remove the solvents. The extracts were then screened for phytocompounds by preliminary screening methods. Anti-cancer potential was carried out by a Resazurin assay and CC50 values were determined. Results: The extracts showed the presence of carbohydrates, glucoside, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, sterols. All extracts demonstrated moderate cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. Conclusion: The hexane, ethyl acetate and acetone extracts showed anticancer property. The roots extracts of Anthocleista djalonesis were thus found to possess potential anticancer activities.