Mahlomola Alice Mokhatla¹, Ayodeji Mathias Adegoke^2,3, Paballo Direko¹, Samson Mashele¹, Mamello Patience Sekhoacha²

Abstract

Purpose: To examine the cytotoxic properties of different parts of Diospyros dichrophylla on breast and brain cancer cell lines. Methods: Diospyros dichrophylla was identified and extracted with different solvents. The extracts were filtered and concentrated using a rotary evaporator and then lyophilized. Its phytochemical composition was screened according to standard procedures. The cells were cultured according to standard methods, while cytotoxicity studies were performed using MTT assay. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols, triterpenoids and phenol in the plant. Aqueous extract of fruits of D. dichrophylla exhibited significant inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells and normal Vero cells (p < 0.05). In addition, aqueous extract showed inhibition of ? 50 % at 10 and 50 μg/mL concentrations, while dichloromethane (DCM) extracts of dried fruits showed inhibition of 79.87 and 90.97 % at 10 and 50 μg/mL, respectively. Also, DCM extracts showed better inhibition potential than aqueous extract of the fruit. Furthermore, the fresh fruit extract was also cytotoxic to brain cancer cells at 10 and 50 μg/mL. No selectivity of cancer cells was observed. Conclusion: Diospyros dichrophylla is cytotoxic both to normal cells and cancer cells. Its therapeutic potential is limited based on this study but may be further explored