Ods: In this study, we have extracted phytochemicals that exhibited anti-cancer property from the (a) fruit pulp using methanol (AMPM) and water (AMPW); and (b) seeds using methanol (AMSM). Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of phenolics, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids, carbohydrates and proteins in AMPM and AMPW. All three extracts were first checked for in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and then tested for efficacy against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Results: Among these three extracts, AMSM showed the highest antioxidant power as well as ~80% inhibition at 320μg/ml concentration in both cell lines upon treatment for 24h. However, only about 40% inhibition was observed with 320μg/ml AMPM treatment, despite its highest anti-inflammatory potential. Water extract AMPW exhibited about 80% growth inhibition at 50% dilution. Since fruit pulp is the one consumed, the extracts AMPM and AMPW were further tested for apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Analysis of the data showed increased apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest upon exposure to AMPM and AMPW....

Annona muricata Linn., a tropical plant, has been used in the ethnomedicine as treatment to a range of diseases, from common cold to cancer. Numerous studies conducted on various parts of A. muricata plant, validate is use as anti-cancer use. Mechanistic investigations in different types of cancers have revealed that A. muricata induces cytotoxicity either through inhibition of ATP synthesis by blocking the mitochondrial complexes, or by promotion of apoptosis through upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl2. Interestingly, the constituent phytochemicals are also found to downregulate the oncogenes responsible, for example EGFR downregulation in the case of breast cancer. Flavonol triglycosides (FTGs), alkaloids (ALKs), phenolics (PLs), megastigmanes (MGs), cyclopeptides (CPs), Annonaceous acetogenins (AGEs) and essential oils, are the different Phytoconstituents reported in A. muricata. Acetogenins, however, are the major class of compounds studied with the perspective of anti-cancer activity. Annonacin, Bullatacin, Annomuricin E, Uvaricin, Bullatacinone, Bullatalicinone, Rolliniastatin, Squamocin, Annocatacin A and B, Longicin, Muricin M and N, and Muricenin, are the few acetogenins identified to as potent anticancer agents in A. muricata.

Cancers are known to have multifactorial etiology. Certain bacteria and viruses are proven carcinogens. Lately, there has been in-depth research investigating carcinogenic capabilities of some bacteria. Reports indicate that chronic inflammation and harmful bacterial metabolites to be strong promoters of neoplasticity. Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric adenocarcinoma is the best illustration of the chronic inflammation paradigm of oncogenesis. Chronic inflammation, which produces excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) is hypothesized to cause cancerous cell proliferation. Other possible bacteria-dependent mechanisms and virulence factors have also been suspected of playing a vital role in the bacteria-induced-cancer(s). Numerous attempts have been made to explore and establish the possible relationship between the two. With the growing concerns on anti-microbial resistance and over-dependence of mankind on antibiotics to treat bacterial infections, it must be deemed critical to understand and identify carcinogenic bacteria, to establish their role in causing cancer.

DNA extraction from archived hematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue slides for downstream molecular analysis