Evaluation of antioxidant effect and anticancer activity against human glioblastoma (U373MG) cell lines of Murraya Koenigii

Aim: The main aim of the study was to screen the ethanolic (EEMK) and methanolic (MEMK) extracts of Murraya koenigii (MK) leaves and their alkaloid fractions (EFMK and MFMK) for their in vitro anti-oxidant and anticancer activity against U373MG cell lines. Methods: In vitro antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions was determined by DPPH Radical assay, Reducing power assay, Inhibition of lipid peroxidation, Superoxide radical scavenging assay and Hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Cytotoxic effect of MK extracts and fractions was evaluated by performing Sulphorhoda­mine B (SRB) assay and Flow cytometry analysis on U373MG cell lines. Results: Extracts and fractions of MK were found to possess significant antioxidant activity. In SRB colorimetric assay, the efficacy of MK against U373MG cell line was observed due to reduced viability of U373MG cells. Dose dependent significant increase in the percentage of dead cells was also observed. MEMK exhibited significant cytotoxicity than EEMK where­as EFMK and MFMK were not found to be significantly cytotoxic against U373MG cell lines. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the effective extract MEMK induces cell death in human glioblastoma cells through apoptotic mode of action. Conclusion: The observed anticancer activity of Murraya koenigii may be due to its antioxidant potential.