In vitro evaluation of anticancer effect of Cassia auriculata leaf extract and curcumin through induction of apoptosis in human breast and larynx cancer cell lines

Curcumin a plant product from Curcuma has long been demonstrated as an effective drug against various types of cancers. In this study, we found the ethanolic leaf extracts of Cassia auriculata (CALE) to have anticancer effect in a dose dependent manner in both human breast carcinoma (MCF-7) and human larynx cancer (Hep-2) cell lines. When Cassia auriculata extract and curcumin were combined, a synergistic effect of activity at a much lower concentration of both curcumin and CALE was noted. Analysis of mechanism reveled nuclear fragmentation and condensation associated with DNA laddering in gel electrophoresis and appearance of the A0 peak indicative of apoptosis. In addition the MCF-7 and Hep-2 cells showed decreased expression of anti apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and increased expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio upon treatment. These data suggest that the combination of curcumin and CALE could deserve consideration as an effective combination against cancer.