Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Increased Cytotoxic Effect of Doxorubicin on HeLa Cancer Cells

Abstract

Moringa oleifera is a strong chemopreventive agent in several cells. The aim of this study was to investigate cytotoxic activities of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (EMO) alone and in combination with doxorubicin in HeLa cancer cells. Cell viability assay of EMO, doxorubicin and combination treatments were carried out by using MTT assay. Apoptosis assay was done by double staining method using Ethidium Bromide-Acridine Orange. EMO showed cytotoxic effect in HeLa cells with IC₅₀ >250 μg/mL. MO (5, 50 and 250 μg/mL) increased cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin compared to doxorubicin alone 100 and 200 nM. The strongest cytotoxic activity was showed by the combination of 250 nM doxorubicin and 250 μg/mL EMO. Single treatment of 250 μg/mL EMO showed weak apoptosis induction, while combination of 250 nM doxorubicin and 250 μg/mL EMO increased apoptosis induction of doxorubicin compared to 250 nM doxorubicin single treatment. Moringa oleifera is potentially to be developed as co-chemotherapeutic agent for cervical cancer, while molecular mechanism need to be explored.