Anticancer activities of Sterculia quadrifida R.Br bark extract from Semau island, Indonesia on breast cancer cells line T47D

Introduction and Aim: Breast cancer is characterized by the abnormal growth of malignant cells within breast tissue, which can originate from either the ductal epithelium or its lobules. The Sterculia quadrifida R.Br plant has been widely used by the urban community as a medicine for jaundice, ulcers, stamina enhancer, postpartum antiseptic and several other indications of disease. The plant contains a class of flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes and saponins. The objective of this study is to assess the anti-cancer activity of the ethanolic extract of Sterculia quadrifida R.Br from Semau Island, Kupang Regency, Indonesia, specifically on T47D cells, and to determine the IC50 value. Materials and Methods: The design of this study is experimental which employed the extraction process, maceration using 96% ethanol. After 24 hours, it was filtered to obtain 96% ethanol filtrate. Additionally, the compound groups present in the extract were characterized through visual observations under visible light, UV light at 254 nm, UV light at 365 nm, as well as visualization using various spray reagents including Dragendorff, FeCl3, 2,4-DNPH, vanillin-sulfuric acid, anisaldehyde-sulfuric acid, and cerium sulfate. Results: Notably, changes in the morphology and color of T47D cells were observed following their exposure to the 96% ethanol extract of Sterculia quadrifida stem bark. The IC50 value analysis in the cytotoxic test involved converting the absorbance data obtained from the test into percentages representing cell viability. Furthermore, the IC50 value, which quantifies the concentration of the extract required to inhibit the growth of T47D cells by 50%, was determined to be 211.4 µg/ml. Conclusion: In conclusion, it can be inferred that the 96% ethanol extract of Sterculia quadrifida stem bark exhibits anti-cancer properties against T47D cells.