In-vitro anticancer and anti-migration effect of Ficus racemosa leaves extract and its neoadjuvant combination with chemo-photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Phytocompounds play a key role in prevention and treatment of cancers. The secondary metabolites are being studied due to their anticancer and antioxidant properties leading to the finding of new therapeutic agents. Like many medicinal plants, Ficus racemosa (FR) is rich in polyphenols and can be used in cancer treatment. The side effects of existing therapeutic modalities at high doses may be reduced in combination. In this study the anticancer and anti-migration potentials of FR were evaluated, along with its combinational study at low therapeutic dosage with doxorubicin-HCl (Dox-HCl), dacarbazine (DTIC) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The effects of FR leaves extract on the rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells morphology, cell viability, and cell migration ability were investigated by light microscopy, MTT assay, and wound healing cell migration assay respectively. The effect of various FR concentrations on RD cells indicated the potential anticancer effect in a dose dependent manner. The results of low dose di-combinations (FR-chemo, FR-PDT) and tri-combinations (FR-chemo-PDT) were synergistic. The % cell viability was reduced to 29% for FR-Dox-HCl-PDT and 44% for FR-DTIC-PDT combinations. A pronounced cytotoxic effect and cell migration was observed in tri-combination therapy as compared to di- and mono-therapy. This study concluded that FR leaves extract has anticancer effects and gives synergy with chemo and PDT combinations.