Antioxidant Activity of Curcumin and Neem (Azadirachta indica) Powders: Combination Studies with ALA Using MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
T. K. N. Cheung
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
P. Singh Nigam
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
R. Owusu-Apenten *
School of Biomedical Sciences, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women globally. The essential fatty acid a-Linolenic acid (ALA) and its oxidation products inhibit cancer cell proliferation. The effect of natural antioxidants on ALA anticancer effects has not been well characterized.
Aims: To assess the effect of curcumin and neem leaf powder extract, on ALA cytotoxicity activity towards MCF-7 breast cancers.
Study Design: In-vitro testing.
Methodology: Antioxidant activity of neem extract and curcumin were evaluated using, four assays: Total phenolic content, Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay or 2, 2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assay. Cytotoxicity activity was assessed using MCF7 cells grown in DMEM (+10% FBS) and evaluated using Sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay for cell cytotoxicity.
Results: Curcumin and neem leaf extract had significant antioxidant power, and values varied between the four assays. Treatments of MCF7 cells with ALA, (0-500 µM) curcumin (0-50 µM), and neem leaf extract (0-88 µM) individually produced a concentration-dependent decrease in MCF-7 cell viability. Combination treatments using ALA with curcumin and ALA with neem were significantly less effective compared to individual treatments.
Conclusion: Combinations studies indicate that the natural antioxidants curcumin and neem reduce the inhibitory effect of a-Linolenic acid towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
Keywords: Antioxidant, total phenols, curcumin, neem (Azadirachta indica), linolenic acid, MCF-7 cell, anticancer