Cytotoxic Effects of Ficus Carica L. Fruit Extract on T98G Glioblastoma Cells: An MTT-based Cell Viability Assessment

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive primary malignant brain tumour in adults with a high rate of recurrence and poor response to standard therapy. Fig fruit (Ficus carica L.) has been reported to have anticancer potential, but little is known about its effects on glioblastoma cells. In this study, the cytotoxic effect of Ficus carica L. fruit extract on T98G glioblastoma cells was evaluated by MTT assay. T98G cells were treated with 0.25, 0.5 and 1% (v/v) of Ficus carica fruit extract for 24–144 h. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay performed in triplicate. Differences between groups were analysed statistically (one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test). Ficus carica fruit extract at all concentrations tested significantly reduced the viability of T98G cells when compared to the untreated control group (p = 0.000). The 1% concentration was the most potent in terms of cytotoxic effect and significantly different from the 0.25% and 0.5% concentrations (p = 0.008). Ficus carica L. fruit extract exhibits a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on T98G glioblastoma cells, with the most prominent activity at 1% concentration. These results suggest that Ficus carica could be a candidate anticancer agent against glioblastoma, but more mechanistic and in vivo studies are needed.