In-vitro evaluation of Epherda Foemenia for anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties

Ephedra foeminea has been increasingly recognized for its anti-cancer properties. The current study evaluated the anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities of the methanol extract of E. foeminea (EFME). The extract was evaluated for cytotoxic effects against mouse breast cancer 4T1 cells, and camptothecin was used as a standard anti-cancer drug for comparison. The anti-oxidant activity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging effect while the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell invasion assay, scratch assay and cell cycle analysis were used for evaluation of its anti-cancer potential. In the MTT assay on 4T1 cells, viability was preserved at ≥86% when treated at 12.5 μg/ml, with an IC50 concentration of 40.09 μg/ml. Further, the extract increased the cell invasion in the invasion assay, while a reduced cell migration was observed in the scratch assay. Cell cycle analysis using flow cytometry demonstrated a good anti-cancer effect of EFME with cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Moreover, a remarkable anti-oxidant effect was observed in the DPPH assay. These findings indicated the EFME exhibits significant anti-cancer, and anti-oxidant properties but the effects were observed at a higher concentration of 40.09 μg/ml.