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Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the in vitro cytotoxic potential of Papaya Leaves on 3 distinct cell lines: BJ, cervical, and prostate.
METHODOLOGY
Papaya (Red Lady) samples were obtained. Acetone and n-hexane extracts were used in a Soxhlet extractor at the University of Karachi. The cytotoxic activity was assessed using the MTT (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Cells were cultured in 75cm² flasks with 5% CO2 at 37°C, 5% fetal-bovine serum, 100IU/ml penicillin, and 100µg/ml streptomycin. Cells were counted using a hemocytometer, diluted, and then added to 96-well plates at a concentration of 6 × 10^4 cells/mL. After 48 hours, MTT reduction to formazan was measured using a microplate reader.
RESULTSThe acetone extract exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against the BJ cell, with a % inhibition (mean ± SD) of 60.4 ± 0.85 at a concentration of 30 µM, and an IC50 of 18.19 ± 0.19 µM (p < 0.001). In contrast, the n-hexane extract revealed minimal activity. In cervical, both extracts fell below the 50% inhibition threshold, unlike the effective Doxorubicin. The acetone extract showed moderate activity for prostate, while the n-hexane extract was inactive.
CONCLUSION
The acetone extract displays significant activity against BJ cells, while the n-hexane extract is inactive. Both extracts have minimal effects on HeLa and none on PC3 cells.