Cytotoxicity Analysis of Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) Seeds and Leaves Aqueous Extract on Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina)

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity activity of the Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) seeds and leaves’ aqueous extract on Brinesshrimp (Artemia salina). Two experimental groups were prepared for the different extracts of Calamansi seeds and leaves. Saline solution, salt and deionized water, acted as the negative control group. Four separate treatments which contain 2%, 1.5%, 1%, 0.1% of seeds and leaves extract were exposed to the brine shrimps for 24 hours. The procedure that was established by Mayer et al. was used to conduct the experiment. Brine shrimp lethality assay was utilized to determine the cytotoxic activity of the Calamansi seeds and leaves. The researchers observed the brine shrimps every 6 hours. The highest mortality rate was observed in all treatments under the experimental groups that contained different concentrations of Calamansi seeds and leaves extract. The negative control group showed no mortality on the brine shrimp. Recent studies revealed that the Calamansi leaves extract contains phytochemicals that contribute to the cytotoxic effect on brine shrimp. A citrus fruit also contains phytochemicals that are also present in its seeds. The results revealed that the Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) seeds and leaves’ extract have cytotoxic compositions that are able to cause death to brine shrimps. Thus, the Calamansi (Citrus microcarpa Bunge) seeds and leaves aqueous extract can be a potential component for developing an anti-cancer drug.