Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Potential of Bael Leaf (Aegle marmelos) on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line

Background: Aegle marmelos (Bael) is one of the important medicinal plants for curing human diseases. Nevertheless, the information about the cytotoxic and antioxidant effects of Bael leaf is not much. Objectives: The objective of this study is to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity of Bael leaf in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines. Materials and Methods: Bael leaves extract was prepared by 80% (v/v) aqueous ethanol and measured for total phenolic compound and antioxidant capacity. The ability of ethanolic Bael leaf extract to inhibit hepatic cancer cells (HepG2 cell) growth was evaluated by determining the percentages of cell viability. The levels of intracellular reactive‑oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were determined. Results: Bael leaf extract demonstrated the potentiality to inhibit the cancer cell growth with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) at 50 μg/ml and 72 μg/ml after 24 h and 48 h incubated times, respectively. The total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extract were 218.33 ± 43.81 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dry extract and 33.62 ± 3.07 mg Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity/g of dry extract, respectively. At the lowest concentration of Bael leaf extract, it was found that Bael leaf extract shows the antioxidant activity by the ability to lowering the level of ROS and malondialdehyde in HepG2 cell. Conclusion: Bael leaf has a high antioxidant component, which is beneficial and can be developed as new therapeutic uses. However, further studies on the benefits of Bael leaf should be performed for better realizing and effective use soon.