Amelioration of oxidative stress through apoptosis-mediated pathway in colon cancer cells by hexane fraction of Moringa oleifera extract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and it is predicted that the number of cases will rise to 2.4 million by 2035. Therefore, preventative and therapeutic approaches are essential for the fight against cancer. The management of colon cancer through conventional methods mainly surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have produced unpredictable complications, especially metastasis and relapse of tumors, leading to loss of patient's life. In the last decade, association between oxidative stress and CRC has been intensively studied and it was found that the CRC has increased levels of oxidative stress markers. Natural dietary supplements provide a better choice for cancer prevention and treatments. Moringa oleifera (MO) generally known as the Miracle tree and most of the parts have high nutritional and medicinal properties; though, the leaves are suggested to have the highest concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and active compounds. Materials and Methods: The major purpose of the analysis was to investigate the dose-dependent cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects of the hexane fraction of the MO extract on the colon cancer cells, HT-29. The anticancer potential of hexane fraction of MO extract was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and apoptotic mechanistic action by fluorescent staining, caspases, and immunoblot analysis. Results: The hexane fractions of MO extract suppressed the proliferation of HT-29 cells and induced apoptosis through mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Conclusions: These findings suggested that hexane fraction of the extract has significant cytotoxic and apoptotic activity and therefore it could be discovered as a unique target for anticancer drug development.