Cytotoxic effects of methanol extract of raw, cooked and fermented split beans of Canavalia on cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HT-29

In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of methanol extract of raw, cooked and solid-substrate fermented (Rhizopus oligosporus) split beans of wild legumes (Canavalia cathartica and C. maritima) of coastal sand dunes of the Southwest India was carried out. Cytotoxic activity (ED₅₀ and cytotoxicity) of methanol extracts was tested by (3-(4, 5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Differential impacts on the cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HT-29 were seen even though both plant species grow in the same habitat. Methanol extract of cooked (C. maritima) and fermented (C. cathartica) split beans showed better in vitro anticancer activities compared to the raw beans. It is concluded that active principles of methanol extract of cooked and fermented Canavalia beans have potential to inhibit cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HT-29. Besides, it is possible to use extracts of cooked/fermented beans to control colon cancer by diet management.