Leaf Extract of Nerium oleander L. Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Arrest of Cell Cycle at G2/M Phase in HeLa Cervical Cancer Cell

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignant tumors found in women. Although a number of early screening and treatment options are available but mortality due to cervical cancer still remains high. Nerium oleander L., a potential medicinal plant and possess a wide spectrum of pharmacological and physiological activities including anticancer activities.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity, inhibition of cell migration and cell cycle arrest by the chloroform extract of leaves of Nerium Oleander L. in HeLa cervical cancer cells. Chloroform extract of Catharanthus roseus which contains anticancer compounds Vinblastin and Vincristin was used as positive control for this study.

Methods: The chloroform extracts of Nerium oleander L. and Catharanthus roseus were prepared using standard protocol. The cytotoxic effects were studied by MTT assay. Cell migration was studied by in vitro scratch assay. Analysis of cell cycle was carried out by Propidium iodide staining and Flow Cytometry. Expression level of various proteins was carried out by immunocytochemistry.

Results: In this study, we showed that the leaf extract of Nerium oleander inhibits the growth of HeLa cervical cancer cells in culture and inhibits cell migration. Besides it arrests cell cycle at G2/M phase. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and phosphorylated p-Rb (Ser 780) level is significantly down regulated by leaf extract of Nerium oleander.

Conclusion: Extract of Nerium oleander L. contains potential bioactive compounds which inhibit HeLa cell proliferation, cell migration and arrest cell cycle at G2/M phase.

Keywords: G2/M phase arrest; HeLa cells; MTT assay; Nerium oleander; antioxidant.; cell migration.