Evaluation of the cytotoxicity effect of rhein drug anthraquinone at IC۵۰ on MCF-۷ cell line based on analytical methods

Rhubarb (Rheum ribes L.) is a perennial herb that belongs to the genus Rheum L. (Polygonaceae). The objective of this study was to isolate, purify and characterize Rhein anthraquinone from the Rhizome of Rheum ribes L. and investigate the cytotoxic effect on MCF-۷ cells. Separation and purification were achieved by the column chromatography method. The identity of Rhein was established by TLC, TLC-densitometry method, HPLC, ۱HNMR, and FT-IR. In vitro cytotoxicity and IC۵۰ concentrations were evaluated by MTT assay. Different concentrations of Rhein were subjected to determine the cytotoxic effect by measuring the cell proliferation activity in MCF-۷ breast cancer cell lines after ۲۴ and ۴۸ h of incubation. The identified IC۵۰ value for Rhein was ۲۲۶.۵۳ and ۲۲۹.۰۰ ppm for ۲۴ and ۴۸ h, respectively. Rhein anthraquinone extracted had significant anticancer activity against MCF-۷ cell lines and it might have a good therapeutic value for further investigation as an anti-tumor agent.