In vitro cytotoxic activity of Sansevieria trifasciata against various cancer cell lines

Purpose: To determine the in vitro anticancer properties of Sansevieria trifasciata extracts. Methods: The cytotoxic activity of n-hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol leaf extracts at different concentrations was assessed against Vero, pancreatic (AsPC-1), lung (A549), esophageal squamous carcinoma (KYSE 150) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cancer cell lines using MTT assay. The apoptosis-inducing potential of selected S. trifasciata leaf extract was determined using a caspase 3/7 assay kit. Results: Ethyl acetate extract of S. trifasciata leaf showed significant anticancer activity against RD cells and methanol extract against KYSE cells (p < 0.05). Ethyl acetate and methanol extract possessed higher toxicity towards RD and KYSE 150 cell lines and exhibited relatively lower toxicity towards Vero normal cells. Ethyl acetate extract-treated RD cells and KYSE 150 cancer cells had more typical apoptotic morphologic features when compared to normal cells. Conclusion: Sansevieria trifasciata possesses anticancer activity and provides new insights for future molecular work on investigating its utilization in cancer treatment.