Abstract
Agents that influence cell death, especially those that can induce apoptosis in cancer cells, have always been sought upon as a source of anticancer drugs. Zea mays leaf extracts were checked for its anticancer property in comparison with anchemotherapy drug.Therefore, in the present study, the extent of cell death induced by etoposide-induced oxidative stress and the role of Zea mays leaf extracts were followed in Hep 2 (laryngeal carcinoma cell line)cells. Various apoptosis related parameters like cell viability, morphological changes, nuclear changes and apoptotic index were characterized. SRB and MTT assays were used to quantify the extent of cell death in the group exposed to etoposide, plant extracts and their combination. The treatment with etoposide exhibited cytotoxity in the Hep 2 cells. The administration of extracts alone also increased the number of Hep2 cells showing apoptotic morphology. When the cells were exposed to both etoposide and the leaf extracts, the extent of cell death increased further, compared to that induced by etoposide alone. Conclusion:Zea mays leaf extract exhibits anticancer property and can also augment the chemotherapeutic activity of etoposide in the cancer cells.
