Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Exploring the Pharmacological Action and Molecular Mechanism of Salidroside in Inhibiting MCF-7 Cell Proliferation and Migration
Published on: June 9, 2023
Exploring the Antimitotic Potential of Benincasa Hispida Seed Extract on HepG2 Cells
E Navya Pravala1, Kiranmai Mandava2, Somnath De1
1Department of Pharmacology, St Pauls College of Pharmacy, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Objective:
Cancer continues to pose a significant worldwide health concern, underscoring the need for the identification of innovative, safer, and more effective therapeutic agents. Phytochemicals obtained from medicinal plants are progressively acknowledged for their anticancer efficacy. This work investigates the antimitotic and antiproliferative properties of the ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida seeds (EeBHS), known as winter melon, from the Cucurbitaceae family.
Methods:
Antimitotic activity was assessed using the Allium cepa root tip meristem test and the seed germination assay. The mitotic index and the distribution of cells throughout several mitotic stages were examined after treatment with EeBHS at varying doses. Methotrexate, a recognized antineoplastic agent, served as the standard control. The antiproliferative activity of EeBHS was evaluated using the MTT assay on HepG2 liver cancer cell lines to determine cytotoxicity and growth suppression.
Results:
EeBHS exhibited a notable dose-dependent suppression of mitotic activity in Allium cepa root tips and sprouted seeds (p < 0.001). The mitotic index significantly decreased in EeBHS-treated groups (57 ± 0.5 in root tips and 44 ± 1.2 in seeds) relative to controls (67 ± 1.2 and 96 ± 1.2, respectively). Methotrexate also lowered the mitotic index, thereby corroborating the concept. An increased percentage of cells in prophase and metaphase in treated groups signified mitotic arrest. In HepG2 cells, doses of EeBHS ranging from 5 to 7 ng/μL markedly suppressed cell growth, indicating potent cytotoxicity.
Conclusion:
EeBHS has significant antimitotic and antiproliferative properties, presumably attributable to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolics, underscoring its potential as a natural anticancer agent that merits further investigation.
Insights
The ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida seeds (EeBHS) demonstrates significant anticancer properties. This natural compound effectively inhibits cell division and proliferation, showing potential as a novel therapeutic agent.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer remains a major global health challenge, driving the search for novel, safer therapeutics.
- Medicinal plants, particularly phytochemicals, are increasingly recognized for their anticancer potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimitotic and antiproliferative effects of the ethanolic extract of Benincasa hispida seeds (EeBHS).
- To evaluate EeBHS as a potential natural anticancer agent.
Main Methods:
- Antimitotic activity assessed via Allium cepa root tip meristem test and seed germination assay.
- Mitotic index and cell cycle distribution analyzed post-EeBHS treatment.
- Antiproliferative activity evaluated using MTT assay on HepG2 liver cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- EeBHS exhibited dose-dependent suppression of mitotic activity in Allium cepa and seeds (p < 0.001).
- Significant reduction in mitotic index observed in EeBHS-treated groups compared to controls.
- Mitotic arrest indicated by increased prophase/metaphase cells; EeBHS showed potent cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells.
Conclusions:
- EeBHS possesses significant antimitotic and antiproliferative properties.
- Bioactive constituents like flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolics likely contribute to EeBHS's anticancer effects.
- EeBHS shows promise as a natural anticancer agent warranting further research.
