ANTICANCER EFFECTS OF VIGNA MUNGO AND VIGNA RADIATA: A CYTOTOXICITY EVALUATION

Abstract

Introduction: The search for natural compounds with anticancer properties has accelerated due to the growing need for safer, cost-effective alternatives to traditional chemotherapy. Vigna mungo (black gram) and Vigna radiata (mung bean) are widely consumed legumes with well-documented nutritional and therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells remain inadequately explored. This study investigates the potential anticancer activity of Vigna mungo and Vigna radiata, focusing on their ability to induce cell death in human cancer cell lines. Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted on three human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast cancer), HeLa (cervical cancer), and A549 (lung cancer). Ethanolic extracts of Vigna mungo and Vigna radiata were prepared, and their cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay to determine the IC50 values. Apoptosis was analyzed through flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was evaluated by Western blotting, focusing on caspase-3 and Bcl-2. Results: Both plant extracts exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity across all tested cell lines. Vigna mungo showed significantly higher potency, with lower IC50 values than Vigna radiata. Apoptotic cell percentages were notably higher in the Vigna mungo treated group compared to Vigna radiata. Western blotting revealed the upregulation of caspase-3 and the downregulation of Bcl-2 in both treatments, indicating that apoptosis was the primary mechanism of cell death. Conclusion: Vigna mungo and Vigna radiata demonstrate significant cytotoxicity, with Vigna mungo exhibiting stronger anticancer effects. These findings support the potential of these legumes as novel, natural anticancer agents, warranting further investigation into their bioactive components for therapeutic application.