Morphological Alteration and Intracellular ROS Generation Confirm Apoptosis Induction on EAC Cells by Leucas Indica Bark Extract

ABSTRACT The phytochemical constituents, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anti-cancer activities of Leucas indica bark extract in methanol were evaluated. Brine shrimp lethality assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity while antioxidant capability was determined by DPPH and H2O2 free radical scavenging assay. Cell growth inhibition was estimated through hemocytometric cell counting after 5 d of treatment using EAC cells in in vivo mice model. This inhibition was due to the induction of apoptosis observed through fluorescence microscopy. The extract showed anticancer activity against EAC cells with 58.27% cell growth inhibition at 100 mg kg−1 b.w. Morphological alterations identified demonstrated apoptosis induction supported by intracellular ROS generation and DNA fragmentation.