In vitro anticancer potential of Semecarpus anacardium Linn

Background: Keeping in view the toxicity of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. as reported in the traditional literature, the present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic activity of ethanolic extract of Semecarpus on two different cell lines. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic extract of Semecarpus was prepared using cold extraction method. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay of ethanolic extract was carried out on HeLa and SiHa cell lines for determination of cytotoxicity. Results: The IC50values of ethanolic extract of S. anacardium in HeLa and SiHa cell lines were 44.0 μg/ml and 57.0 μg/ml, respectively. The extract was standardized by thin-layer chromatography and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Conclusion: The results showed good cytotoxic activity in the ethanolic extract of S. anacardium in both the cell lines may be due to the presence of toxic flavones.