Abstract
Cancer is the most life-threatening disease that may be a result of alterations in genetic makeup. Breast cancer and melanoma are the most common types of cancer that occur worldwide, ovarian cancer being the most aggressive and lethal type of cancer in females. Natural compounds from medicinal plants have played a major role in the development of anticancer agents. Betulinic acid has been studied and found to possess inhibitory properties against several cancer cells and noted as a potential anticancer agent, whereas iso-mukaadial acetate as a novel compound has previously shown to possess antimalarial, antidiabetic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiproliferative effects of iso-mukaadial acetate and betulinic acid on breast cancer, ovarian cancer and melanoma cancer cell lines. The hypothesis of this study was that iso-mukaadial acetate and betulinic acid can inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in breast, ovarian and melanoma skin cancer cell lines. Cell viability assays were conducted using AlamarBlue and xCELLigence system. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were determined and analysed by flow cytometer. Effector caspases (3/7) activation were evaluated by caspase Glo® 3/7 reagent and gene expression were analysed by Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. The selectivity index of isomukaadial acetate was lower that the selectivity of betulinic acid. Both compounds have shown cytotoxicity effects and induced apoptosis through the signalling of apoptotic cascade. Iso-mukaadial acetate may be promising anticancer agent. Further studies are required to explore and understand the exact mechanism of action of both compounds
M.Sc. (Biochemistry)