Cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seed aqueous extract against human colorectal cancer cells and urinary tract infection (UTI) causing bacteria / Athirah Aiman Shahrulnizan

The issues of chemotherapy-induced side effects and increased bacterial resistance have given rise to needs for safer alternatives from natural sources. The present study assessed the both antimicrobial and cytotoxicity potential of Trigonella Foenum­ Graecum (TFG) seeds aqueous extract. The extract was prepared by soaking it in distilled water for 24 h and before subjected to either direct freeze drying process or boiling and freeze drying process. The resultant extract was tested against Gram positive and negative bacteria by using Disc Diffusion Method. Blank discs impregnated with 10 µl of extract (0.1 mg/ml-100 mg/ml) were placed on the surface of bacteria cultures and incubated for 48 h. Gentamicin, ampicillin and penicillin were included as positive controls. The anticancer effect of TFG seeds aqueous extract against HCT 116, a CRC cell line, was assessed using SRB assay. The cells were treated with 20 µl of extract (lx10-5mg/ml-lx10·1mg/ml) and incubated for 72 h. Results obtained were used to plot the dose-response curve from which IC50 was determined. 5-FU was included as positive control. The present study found that the aqueous extract was more selective towards Gram positive bacteria. The extract also inhibited HCT 116 in a dose dependent manner (IC50 = 0.0027mg/ml). The positive controls, however, exhibited greater antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities. In conclusion, further study can be carried out by using another solvent to harness the full antimicrobial and anticancer potentials of TFG seeds extract.