An In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of the Anti‐Breast Cancer Activity of Erythrina excelsa Baker (Fabaceae) Bark Extracts

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer remains a topic of interest due to its high mortality rate among Cameroonian women. The barks of Erythrina excelsa are traditionally used for medicinal purposes in the management of various conditions including cancer. AIMS: This study evaluated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant properties, and anticancer effects of Erythrina excelsa bark extract in vitro and in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: Phytochemical profiling and antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP) were conducted to determine secondary metabolite content and free radical scavenging capacity. Cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest were assessed in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines. In vivo chemopreventive efficacy was evaluated using a DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis in 42 female rats aged 55 to 65 days (~100 g), except the normal group (n = 7). The normal (NOR) and negative (DMBA) groups were treated daily with the vehicle (2% ethanol in distilled water) while the positive (Tamox) and test groups received tamoxifen (3.3 mg/kg) and Erythrina excelsa extract (75, 150, 300 mg/kg BW), respectively for 20 weeks. Tumor parameters, serum biomarkers (CA 15-3, cytokines), oxidative stress markers, hematological and biochemical indices, and organ toxicity were assessed. As results, both aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts of E. excelsa inhibited the growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner after 24 h, induced apoptosis, and promoted G2/M cell cycle arrest. In vivo, E. excelsa aqueous extract (AE) significantly reduced tumor incidence, volume, and weight in a DMBA-induced mammary carcinogenesis rat model, while lowering serum CA15-3 and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-12). Treatment also enhanced antioxidant defenses (SOD, catalase, GSH), reduced lipid peroxidation (MDA), improved hematological and biochemical parameters, and mitigated DMBA-induced hepatic and renal toxicity, without evidence of systemic side effects. CONCLUSION: Erythrina excelsa barks exhibited an anticancer potential mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and cell cycle-modulating effects, and support its further investigation as a promising natural source for cancer therapy.