Ocimum sanctum Linn. Ethanolic extract promotes an antiproliferative and apoptosis activity in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines mediated by upregulation of ROS/RNS, Caspase 9, and Caspase 3: an in silico and in vitro study

Breast cancer is the most serious disease affecting women worldwide. Recently, breast cancer cases reached 2.2 million people. The treatment method is still developing. In addition, the use of herbal medicine as a palliative therapeutic to chemical and/or synthetic drugs is increasing. Ocimum sanctum Linn. is a popular plant in Indonesia and Southeast Asia countries and is also known as an herbal medicinal plant. The study aimed to prove the ability of ethanolic extract Ocimum sanctum Linn. (EEOS) as an antiproliferative against breast cancer. Cytotoxic assay, adhesion assay, and Reactive Nitrogen Species (RNS) production determined in MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell. Furthermore, SEM is applied to visualize cell morphology. In addition, molecular docking is also performed. The result shows EEOS inhibited the proliferation and adhesion of the MCF7 and T47D cells line. Surface morphology showed that MCF7 and T47D tend to be apoptotic (cells turned rougher, gritty, and blebbing). EEOS also increased RNS production. Molecular docking describes the phytochemical compounds on the EEOS (gallic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid and apigenin) interacted with the caspase-3 and caspase-9. In conclusion, EEOS can inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines that correlate with upregulated RNS production, as well as the expression of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9.