Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Award
Spring 4-16-2025
Abstract
Breast cancer is considered one of the most common types of cancer, mainly affecting women worldwide. The most aggressive type is Triple-negative breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 10-15% of the total amount of breast cancer cases. The majority of breast cancer cases are regarded as estrogen receptor-positive, accounting for 70% of the total number. Current treatment options consist of immunotherapy, surgery, endocrine therapy, and chemotherapy. Research in breast cancer treatment has been a topic of interest in recent years, as the rate of individuals becoming diagnosed is increasing. The Osage orange, or Maclura pomifera, is a fruit native to northern parts of Texas and southern parts of Oklahoma. The fruit has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In some cases, it has been shown to combat cancer, as it contains isoflavones osajin and pomiferin, compounds known to exhibit toxicity to cancer cells. In this study, the effects of M. pomifera extracts will be investigated on 2 breast cancer cell lines: MCF-7/Vector and MCF-74/G1P3. The experiment will be executed by treating the cells with different concentrations of the extract. The results entailed that the Osage orange extracts halted cell proliferation of both cell lines; however, it significantly affected the MCF-7/Vector cells at a greater rate. The results could be deemed positive, the phytochemicals isolated from the Osage orange could lead to the development of new, safer, breast cancer therapies. However, further experimentation is needed to confirm this.
Advisor
Venu Cheriyath
Recommended Citation
Bhatt, Khushi, "The Effects of Maclura pomifera on MCF-7/Vector and MCF-7/G1P3 Breast Cancer Cells" (2025). Honors Theses. 278.
https://digitalcommons.tamuc.edu/honorstheses/278
Keywords
Triple-negative breast cancer, cancer treatment, hormone-related cancers, Osage orange
