Effect of beta-sitosterol and plant extracts on skin cancer cells

Abstract

Phytosterols such as β-Sitosterol have been shown to have anticancer effects. The increased consumption of phytosterols have been suggested to confer preventive effects against cancer. In several studies, β-Sitosterol has been shown to inhibit proliferation of breast, colon, prostate and leukemic cancer cells. However, β-Sitosterol did not have any effect on skin cancer cells. To validate the findings, this study looked into the anti-proliferative effect of β-Sitosterol on breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231, skin cancer cells A431 and Hsc5 and lung cancer cells A549. In addition, Costus Curvibracteatus plant belonging to the same genus as Costus Speciosus which has been shown to have anticancer effect was investigated for its anticancer effect on skin cancer cells A431 and Hsc5 and lung cancer cells A549. Through thin layer chromatography analysis, Costus Curvibracteatus extract was found to contain β-Sitosterol. Quantification of β-Sitosterol contained in Costus Curvibracteatus extract was achieved using ImageJ software. β-Sitosterol was found to inhibit the proliferation of MDA-MB-231, A431, Hsc5 and A549 cancer cells. Costus Curvibracteatus extract inhibits the proliferation of A431, Hsc5 and A549 cancer cells. Also, Costus Curvibracteatus extract’s anticancer effect was not due to presence of β-Sitosterol alone. Costus Curvibracteatus contained other potential anticancer compounds worth further studying.