Effect of Christia vespertilionis leaf extract on the metastasis-related protein expression of breast cancer tumor

Breast cancer is the predominant cancer among Malaysian women, representing around 19% of all diagnosed cancers. Breast cancer remains to be a significant issue, as Malaysia anticipates a two-fold rise in cancer incidence by 2040. This necessitates the implementation of proactive scientific research on natural resources in order to identify novel cancer medicines that are highly effective. The indigenous Malaysian plant, Christia vespertilionis, commonly referred to as butterfly wings, has garnered interest for its extensive potential therapeutic properties. The objective of the research was to determine the potential expression changes of a metastasis-related protein induced by C. vespertilionis in mice breast tumour. The protein sample was extracted from the breast tumour tissue of mice that treated with C. vespertilionis leaf extract. The VEGF protein was separated and identified by gel electrophoresis and Western blotting technique. Western blotting analysis revealed that C. vespertilionis leaf extract decreased the expression of VEGF protein that are crucial to inhibit the growth and enlargement of breast tumour. Moreover, the down-regulation of VEGF protein expression signifies the inhibition of the angiogenesis pathway in cancer development. This finding indicates that C. vespertilionis leaf extract possesses significant anti-neoplastic potential, thus, further pharmacological investigations should be conducted to explore its potential as an anticancer drug.