Anticancer effects of falsa (Grewia asiatica) extracts against breast cancer cells

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancers among females around the globe. There are treatment options for breast cancer, but with substantial side effects. Low survival rate and advanced stages highlight the need to discover new therapeutic compounds. Purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Grewia asiatica (falsa) extracts exposure on cell viability and expressional modulation of cell cycle genes (CCND1, CCND2 and CDKN1A) in breast cancer cells. Methods: As a first step, toxic effect of falsa extracts were identified against breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Cell viability was identified by MTT dye reduction assay. Afterwards, expressions of the genes (CCND1, CCND2 and CDKN1A) were identified by real time PCR methodology. Untreated samples were used as controls while the data was analyzed by 2-∆∆CT method to identify fold changes. The difference in fold changes was compared with the untreated controls. Results: The results indicated that the extracts showed moderate anti-proliferative effects against MCF-7 cell line. Real time PCR results showed potential of the fruit extracts to alter expression of genes (CCND1, CCND2 and CDKN1A) in MCF-7. CDKN1A (up to 2.3fold) and CCND1 (up to 1.4fold) genes were upregulated in MCF-7 cells treated with the extracts while CCND2 was downregulated (up to -1.7fold). Conclusion: Falsa extracts induce cell death and alter the expression of cell cycle related genes to halt the growth process in breast cancer cells.