Abstract
BACKGROUND: This paper deals with the detection of amino acid composition of Iraqi Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves and evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of the plant leaf extract on human colorectal cancer cells. METHODS: Leaves of Ocimum basilicum were collected from Iraq in November 2024. After drying and powdering, the plant material went through cold methanol extraction. Initial phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids. Amino acid analysis was completed by an amino acid analyzer with fluorescence detection. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated via the MTT assay on HRT-18 cell lines. Morphological changes were further tested using dual Propidium Iodide/Acridine Orange assay fluorescent staining. RESULTS: Seventeen amino acids were detected in the plant extract. The extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on HRT-18 cells, with significant reduction in cell viability at concentrations of more than 25 µg/mL. Morphological alterations of membrane blebbing and cell shrinkage were observed, suggesting apoptotic activity. The IC(50) value confirmed strong cytotoxic potential. CONCLUSIONS: The extract of Ocimum basilicum leaf cultivated in Iraq shows a rich amino acid profile and significant cytotoxic activity against colorectal cancer cells that highlights its potential effect as a natural source of anticancer compounds.