Hairy root extract of Phyllanthus amarus induces apoptotic cell death in human breast cancer cells

This study deals with establishment of hairy root cultures of Phyllanthus amarus using Agrobacterium rhizogenes and cytotoxic effects of methanolic extract of hairy roots on human adenocarcinoma cell line, MCF-7. The hairy root extract displayed a linear concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity. Further, increased concentration of the root extract showed an increase in the percent apoptotic cells from 26% to 36% as determined by annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide. The observed cytotoxicity correlated well with the increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The overall results amply suggest an appreciable antiproliferative effect of P. amarus hairy root extract on the MCF-7 cells through induction of apoptosis, thereby establishing the potential anticancer activity of the extract. Industrial relevance: Hairy roots of Phyllanthus amarus showing anti cancer properties has great potential as Industrial product. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.