STUDIES ON THE EFFECT OF HYDRO ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT OF CITRULLUS COLOCYNTHIS(L)AGAINST HUMAN MELANOMA CELL LINE (A 375)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Citrullus colocynthis is the most commonly distributed in the desert regions of the world. The main active ingredients of citrullus colocynthis are flavonoids, cucurbitacin, phenolic acids and alkaloids,that have been proven to have anti-diabetic, anti-cancer activity, antioxidant, anti-pathogenic microorganisms in modern pharmacological research. So the main aim of this study is to assess the effect of hydroethanolic leaf extract of  Citrullus colocynthis against the human melanoma cell line. The fruits of citrullus colocynthis are usually recognised because of its wide range of medicinal uses as well as nutraceutical and pharmaceutical potential .In Spite of multiple medicinal benefits,the most frequently reported complications such as hematochezia, nephrosis and vomiting have placed Citrullus colocynthis among top 10 toxic plant. AIM OF THE STUDY: To study about the effect of Citrullus colocynthis against human melanoma cell line A375. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, a human A375 melanoma cell line was procured from the National Centre for Cell Sciences(NCCS), Pune, India. The cytotoxic potential of plant extract was analysed by MTT assay. mRNA expression of Wnt and beta-catenin were analysed by Real time-PCR using gene specific primers and comparative CT method was used to analyse expression of genes.The data were analysed statistically using graph pad prism software(Version 5). RESULTS: The hydro ethanolic leaf extract obtained from Citrullus colocynthis, exhibits effect on human melanoma cell line by affecting the Wnt-mRNA expression and Beta-catenin mRNA expression by hindering the cell viability. Hence, it can be a great scope for using the extract into medicinal properties with further studies to improve herbal medicine for human melanoma cells over expensive drugs.