Evaluation of the anthraquinone drug rhein at IC50 on T-47D breast cancer cell lines based on analytical methods

Abstract Rhubarb (Rheum ribes L.) is a perennial herb belonging to the Rheum (Polygonaceae) genus. This study aimed to isolate, purify, and characterize rhein anthraquinones from rhizomes of rhubarb and investigate their cytotoxic effects on the T-47D cell line. Separation and purification were performed by column chromatography. The identity of rhein was established by TLC, TLC densitometry, HPLC, 1HNMR, and FT-IR. In vitro, cytotoxicity and IC50 levels were assessed using the MTT assay. Various concentrations of rhein were exposed to determine the cytotoxic effect by measuring the cell proliferation activity of the T-47D breast cancer cell line after 24 and 48 h of incubation. The IC50 values determined for the Rhine were 226.53 and 229.00 ppm at 24 and 48 hours. Anthraquinones extracted from Rhein have significant anticancer activity against the T-47D cell line and may be of great therapeutic value for further study as antitumor agents.