Screening of Cytotoxic Activity of Hematite (α‑Fe2O3) Nanoparticles from Butea monosperma on MCF‑7 Cells

Background: Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) has been used as an antimicrobial and disinfectant agent. Nevertheless, there are limited data about antitumor potential. This study was focused on investigating cytotoxic effects of Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) from Butea monosperma flower extract on MCF -7 breast cancer cells and its mechanism of action. Materials and Methods: Thus, a green method was created for the synthesis of Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) using an aqueous extract of B. monosperma flower. Synthesis of Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) was described by different analytical techniques including ultraviolet‑visible spectrophotometer, field‑emission scanning electron microscopy, X‑ray diffraction, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Cell viability was determined by the 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured using probe 2’,7’‑dichlorofluorescein diacetate and intracellular calcium (Cai²⁺) was evaluated with probe flu3‑AM. Cells were treated with different concentrations of Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) (1, 3, 6, 10, 15, 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL). Results: The results showed that Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) hindered cell growth in a dose‑dependent manner. Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) appeared to have dose‑dependent cytotoxicity against MCF‑7 cells through activation of the ROS generation and an increase in the intracellular Cai²⁺ (half‑maximal inhibitory concentration 52 ± 3.14). Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this preliminary study demonstrated that Hematite (α‑Fe₂O₃) from B. monosperma flower extract may be a potential therapeutic potential medicament for human breast cancer treatment.