Barringtonia asiatica Seed Extract Induces G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Exhibits Cytotoxicity in A2780 Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Barringtonia asiatica, is traditionally used as a medicinal plant in the Philippines; unfortunately, there is limited evidence supporting its anticancer capability. Thus, our study investigated the cytotoxic effect of B. asiatica seed extract against ovarian carcinoma A2780 (ECACC 93112519) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a cancer model organism. Seeds of B. asiatica were freeze-dried and extracted with methanol. The seed extract was investigated for its effect on the cell cycle in S. cerevisiae by utilizing yeast budding experiment and imaging flow cytometry. Its cytotoxicity activity was also tested as well as a live/dead assay was conducted against ovarian cancer cells. Findings revealed the anticancer activity of B. asiatica and its capability to induce G1 cell cycle arrest in S. cerevisiae. Thus, B. asiatica seeds may serve as a potential source of natural compounds towards anticancer drug discovery.