Preliminary phase results of GC-MS analysis and cytotoxic activity of Argemone mexicana leaves methanol extract against MCF-7 cell lines

Argemone mexicana leaves (AML) contain a variety of bioactive components such as fatty acids, amino acids, phenolics and alkaloids, including Berberine, Isoquinoline, Scoulerine, Stylopine, Thalifone, Benzylisoquinolines, Protopine, and Tetrahydroberberine. This study aimed to examine the gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of AML extract and its cytotoxic activity on MCF-7 cell lines to identify an alternative source for anticancer treatment. The 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was utilized to assess the viability of AML extract-treated cells, while the apoptotic assay involved Acridine orange staining to determine the mode of cell death based on morphological and nuclear fragmentation. The GC-MS analysis was used to identify the biologically active compounds. The results showed that the percentage of cell viability after AML extract treatment ranged from 28.50% to 64.28% for concentrations of 1000 to 125 µg/ml (IC50 = 258.87 µg/ml). Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in cell viability (p < 0.05). Exposure of cells to AML extract stimulated apoptosis through membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, cytoplasm condensation, and nuclear fragmentation. Forty-one compounds were identified by GC-MS in the AML extract. Based on the peak area, some major compounds included n-Hexadecanoic acid (palmitic acid), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z, Z)-, Phytol, 9,12,15-Octadecatrienoic acid (Z, Z, Z)-, and 1-methyl piperidine. In conclusion, the bioactive compounds are apparently responsible for the cytotoxic effects of the AML extract, and the in-vitro results highlight the extract’s potential as a source of natural anticancer drugs. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm this.