Plant Flavanoid Isolate FH2 Affects MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Proliferation and Metabolism

Worldwide breast cancer incidence has increased over recent decades, and is the most common type of cancer in women. A class of secondary plant metabolites called flavonoids are a promising cancer treatment modality due to their chemical similarities to estradiol and therapeutic potential. The estrogen-sensitive human breast cancer cell line MCF-7–used to investigate possible treatment compounds since the 1970s – is a model system for exploring possible anti-cancer treatment compounds. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether the flavonoid MA-1-45-F4 (F4) extracted from root tissue of the prairie clover Dalea searlisiae could influence MCF-7 human breast cancer proliferation and metabolism. Briefly, MCF-7 cells were treated with F4 at concentrations of 1µg/mL to 100 µg/mL, and proliferation and metabolic rate determined. Results showed MCF-7 metabolism increased as F4 concentrations increased, whereas proliferation decreased as F4 concentration increased. These results are consistent with prior studies that show certain cancer types may increase metabolic rate as they preferentially use fermentation rather than oxidative phosphorylation for cellular energy. Further study is recommended to explore breast cancer treatment possibilities with F4