Phyllanthus fraternus manifests potent anti-proliferative activity on cultured Daudi cells

Objective: The aim of this study is to observe the apoptosis of Phyllanthus fraternus Webster against Daudi cells and to study its primary mechanism. Materials and Methods: Antiproliferative activity of cultured Daudi cells was evaluated using 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in a dose- and time-dependent manner after treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract of P. fraternus . Trypan blue viability assay was also performed. Apoptosis induction in the cells posttreatment was determined by DNA fragmentation assay, Agarose gel electrophoresis, and Acridine orange/Ethidium bromide dual staining. Protein isolation and analysis was carried out using the standard polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protocols. Results: The extracts inhibited the growth and proliferation of Daudi cells through induced cell death, which was dose-dependent and time-dependent. The IC50 value was found to be 220 μg/ml after 72 h of treatment. The induction of DNA fragmentation and increase in a number of apoptotic cells posttreatment suggest the possibility of apoptosis induction. A significant decrease in protein level was also observed. Conclusion: The results raise the possibility that the hydroalcoholic extract of P. fraternus could be a potent chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of various cancers. Further evaluation of its potency as a chemotherapeutic agent is imperative