Antioxidant activities and anti-proliferative effects of Moringa oleifera L. extracts with head and neck cancer

Abstract Moringa oleifera L. (MO), known for its nutritional and medicinal value, has strong anti-proliferative effects on various types of cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties of MO extracts using head and neck cancer (HNC) cell lines, CNE-1 and CAL27. Sixteen MO extracts from seeds, roots, stems, and leaves were prepared with water and different concentration of ethanol (50, 70 and 90%). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC, TFC) and the antioxidant activity of these extracts were analyzed. The results showed that the aqueous extracts (MOL) had the highest antioxidant activities in leaf, while 70% ethanol extracts (MOS, MOR, MOSt) had the highest antioxidant values in other parts (seeds, roots, and stems). Furthermore, all MO extracts had significant anti-cancer effects on HNC cells. The corresponding IC50 values of MOSt, MOL, MOR, MOS were 0.135, 0.298, 1.07, and 1.10 mg/mL in CNE-1 cells and 0.163, 0.251, 1.19, and 1.22 mg/mL in CAL27 cells, respectively. MO extracts inhibited the proliferation of HNC cells by inducing apoptosis. Particularly, MOSt had the strongest apoptotic induction, followed by MOL. These results indicated that MO extracts have a potential antioxidant capacity and may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of HNC.