Cytotoxic Activities of Fractions from Dioscorea bulbifera L. Chloroform and Methanol Extracts on T47D Breast Cancer Cells

Objective: To elucidate cytotoxic activity of fractions from chloroform and methanol extracts of D. bulbifera organs on T47D breast cancer cells. Method: The vegetative organs of D. bulbifera were extracted gradually using chloroform and methanol. Cytotoxicity tested on T47D cells using MTT Assay. The most toxic extract was fractioned by vacuum liquid chromatography (VLC) followed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). The extract and fractions potential were tested on the Vero cells using the same method as cancer cells. The most toxic fraction was analyzed using TLC followed by the application of various spray reagents for the identification of active compound. Results: The chloroform extract of the D. bulbifera leaves was the highest cytotoxic on T47D cells (IC₅₀ 115.63±86.01 μg/mL). Moreover, the cytotoxicity test on the combined fractions of leaves chloroform extract showed that fraction 5 (F5) and fraction 6 (F6) were the most toxic fractions compared to those of other fractions. The IC₅₀ of both fractions were 14.55±8.62 and 7.12±4.43 μg/mL respectively. However, Its were very weak compared to those of cancer medicine (Doxorubicin) with the IC₅₀ was 0.04±0.02 μg/mL. Potential fractions were not toxic against Vero cells with IS>10. The active compounds in those fractions were alkaloid and terpenoid. Conclusion: Chloroform extract of the D. bulbifera leaves had the highest cytotoxic effect on T47D cells. Potential fractions were not toxic against Vero cells. The active compounds in those fractions were alkaloid and terpenoid.