In Vitro Evaluation of Curcumin Extract for Cytotoxic Activity on HepG2 Cells

Liver cancer is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the most prevalent type. Risk factors such as chronic hepatitis B and C infections, alcohol-induced cirrhosis, and prolonged exposure to hepatotoxins contribute significantly to its incidence. Current chemotherapeutic agents often face limitations due to toxicity, drug resistance, and poor patient tolerance, prompting interest in natural compounds with selective anticancer activity. Curcumin, the principal curcuminoid from Curcuma longa (Turmeric), exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. It has been shown to suppress tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. As Curcumin concentration increases optical density decreases this indicates Curcumin is killing or inhibiting the growth of cancer cells effectively. In the present study, curcumin was extracted from turmeric rhizomes purchased locally, employing the maceration method with ethanol as a solvent. Fresh rhizomes were oven-dried at 105°C for three hours, ground into fine powder, and extracted at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:20 (w/v) for 72 hours at room temperature. The crude extract was concentrated using rotary evaporation, followed by precipitation with distilled water to obtain purified curcumin. Identification of curcumin was confirmed using qualitative lead acetate and boric acid tests. The anticancer potential of curcumin was evaluated using the HepG2 liver cancer cell line. Cytotoxicity was assessed by measuring cell viability, while morphological changes were analyzed through microscopy to identify apoptotic features. The findings, supported by literature, suggest that curcumin induces apoptosis and inhibits proliferation in HepG2 cells, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for liver cancer management.