Evaluation of In-vitro Cytotoxicity Activity of Costus igneus (Insulin Plant) and the Potential Role of its Phytochemical Constituents in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Costus igneus and its secondary metabolites have been widely evaluated and used to treat patients with diabetes with metabolic syndrome. Recent evidence suggested that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and diabetes associated metabolic syndrome were the important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). So, herbals with insulin sensitizing properties have a promising role in the control of metabolic syndrome and cancer. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of the ethanolic extract of Costus igneus leaves against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. In vitro cytotoxicity activity (MTT assay) of the plant extract leaves was performed with eight different concentrations (1000 to7.8\(\mu\)g/ml) and the percentage of viability was calculated from the graph. The concentration required for a 50% viability inhibition (IC ₅₀) was calculated as 62.5\(\mu\)g/ml. However, 74.57% and 22.65% of cell viability were produced by the concentration of 7.8\(\mu\)g/ml and 1000\(\mu\)g/ml respectively. These results observed the cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extract of Costus igneus leaves and proved the potential role of Costus igneus phytochemical properties against hepatocellular carcinoma.