Aloe-emodin isolated from Rheum ribes induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Abstract

The therapeutic exploration of plant-derived bioactive molecules in oncology has gained substantial momentum in recent years, driven by their diverse mechanisms of action and relatively favourable safety profiles. In this context, the present study investigates the anticancer potential of Aloe-emodin (AE), a naturally occurring anthraquinone extracted from Rheum ribes, against MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line. To evaluate the cytotoxic and mechanistic effects of AE, a comprehensive panel of in vitro assays was employed. These included the Neutral Red Uptake assay to quantify cell viability, colony formation assays to assess long-term proliferative capacity, and wound-healing assays to examine the impact of AE on cellular migration. Additionally, Caspase-3 ELISA was utilised to determine apoptotic activation, while Western blot analyses were conducted to characterise AE-induced changes in key apoptosis-related and survival-associated protein expression profiles. AE demonstrated potent antiproliferative activity against the MCF-7 cell line, as evidenced by the viability assays. In functional experiments, AE markedly impaired cellular migration and significantly diminished colony-forming capacity. Mechanistically, AE treatment led to a pronounced increase in Caspase-3 activity and upregulated key apoptotic markers, including p53 and cleaved PARP (c-PARP), collectively supporting the activation of apoptosis-mediated cell death pathways. Our findings demonstrate that AE exerts pronounced cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, underscoring its potential as a promising adjunct or alternative therapeutic candidate in breast cancer management. Nonetheless, further mechanistic and translational studies are required to fully elucidate its molecular mode of action and evaluate its clinical applicability.