JOBELYN® INDUCES APOPTOSIS OF MCF-7 BREAST CANCER CELLS THROUGH MODULATION OF BAX AND BCL-2 GENES

Abstract

Jobelyn® is a standardized herbal supplement derived from the pigmented leaf sheaths of Sorghum
bicolor. Although previous studies have reported its antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities,
information on its direct anticancer effects remains limited. This study evaluated the cytotoxic and
apoptosis-inducing effects of Jobelyn® on the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7).
Cytotoxicity of the Jobelyn was determined using the MTT assay after 48 h exposure of cells to
Jobelyn® at concentrations of 31.25-500 µg/mL. Morphological changes were examined by phasecontrast microscopy, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (Bax and Bcl-2) was assessed
by quantitative real-time PCR. Jobelyn® caused a concentration-dependent reduction in MCF-7
cell viability with an IC₅₀ value of 26.90 µg/mL. Microscopic examination showed reduced cell
density, altered cell morphology, and detachment of cells from the culture surface after treatment.
Gene expression analysis showed increased expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax and
decreased expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2, resulting in a pronounced increase in the
Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. These findings indicate that Jobelyn® exerts cytotoxic effects on breast cancer
cells and induces apoptosis through modulation of Bax and Bcl-2 gene expression.