Modulatory potential of Tamarindus indica on steroidogenesis by targeting in vitro expression of CYP 19 and StAR genes in MCF-7 cell lines

The use of medicinal plants for treating different ailments dates back to thousands of years through Ayurveda. They increased the efficacy of current chemotherapy while lowering the risk and side effects in cancer patients. The current study was carried out to identify the effect of methanolic extract of Tamarindus indica seed coat on the expression of CYP 19 and StAR gene in MCF -7 cell lines. The phytochemical analysis of T. indica seed coat extract was done through Gas chromatography- mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of the extract was discovered in a previous study using MTT assay and was found to be 32 µg/mL. The cells after treatment with extract at concentrations of 8, 16 and 32µg/mL produced a differential expression of CYP 19. There was a fold increase at IC50 concentration of the extract mean while the gene expression was decreased at higher and lower doses of IC50. On the other hand, a dose dependent fold increase was observed in the expression of StAR gene after treatment with the extract. The presence of Phyto steroids, fatty acid analogues and terpenoids were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis results supports the finding from GC-MS analysis. Even though there was an increase in the expression of StAR gene, there was a biphasic response with CYP19, which indicated a downregulation in the synthesis of oestrogen.