The In Vitro Anticancer Potential of Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus) Rind, Fleshy Pulp, and the Seeds Extracts Against the MCF Breast Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Objective: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic agents with minimal side effects. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro anticancer effects of watermelon rind, fleshy pulp, and seed extracts against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Methods: The extracts were prepared using aqueous and non-aqueous solvents and subjected to phytochemical screening to identify bioactive compounds. Phytochemical screening was conducted on the crude extracts, while the GC-MS analysis was done using the n-hexane fraction. Additionally, Cytotoxicity was assessed via the MTT assay, while apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest were evaluated using flow cytometry. Results: indicated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, with the extract exhibiting the highest potency (IC50 = 20.63 ?g/mL). The phase contrast microscopy of MCF-7 cells treated with the extract revealed notable changes in cell morphology, indicating that the extract induced these changes. The results showed a significant dose-dependent alteration (shrinkage and rupture) from a-e (250-16 ?g/mL) with a range of concentrations of the extract, as shown in cell appearance, which suggests an apoptotic effect of the compounds. The crude extract revealed the presence of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, phenolic compounds, steroids, and saponins, which contribute to the observed anticancer effects. The GC-MSD analysis shows the presence of 17 compounds, and some of the compounds, like 3-Furanmethenol, Cycloheptadecanone, Acetic acid, Cyanohydroxyimino-, methyl ester, Ethanethioamide, N, N-dimethyl-, and 2,11-Dimethyl-2,11- dodecanediol, are known to possess anticancer properties in various studies. These findings suggest that Citrullus lanatus fruit extract possesses promising anticancer properties against M

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