Anticancer studies on methanolic extract of aerial parts of Uraria Picta ( Jacq. ) DC

Background Uraria picta ( Jacq. ) DC is a traditional Indian herb used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. It is an ingredient of the popular Ayurvedic formulation “Dasamoola.” It is also traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb in Ayurveda. The plant also has excellent antioxidant potential. Different parts of Uraria picta are useful and have diverse medicinal properties. The present investigation was done to evaluate the anticancer activity of methanolic extract of aerial parts of Uraria picta ( Jacq. ). Results Preliminary phytochemical screening of MEUP confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides, and tannins. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in MEUP were found to be 14.6 gram equivalent of gallic acid and 0.735 gram equivalent of catechin, respectively. IC50 values of cisplatin and MEUP were found to be 8.75 μg/ml and 436.92 μg/ml, respectively. Induction of apoptosis was evident from DAPI staining showing a dose-dependent increase in apoptosis. Also, a reduction in intracellular ROS was evident from the DCFH-da assay, where a dose-dependent decrease in intracellular ROS (fluorescence) was observed. Significant reduction ( P < 0.05) in tumor volume was observed in mice receiving cisplatin and MEUP at both dose levels. Conclusion The methanolic extract of aerial parts of Uraria picta ( Jacq. ) DC is effective in inhibiting tumor growth and has significant anticancer property.