Conclusion
The findings suggest that root extract of P. abrotanoides and purified tanshinones especially Tan2A and HCT have cytotoxic and apoptotic effects against cancer cell lines. So, they may serve as potential cytotoxic agents for future investigations.
Methods
Alamar Blue® assay was used to determine cell viability. Cell apoptotic rate was detected using propidium iodide staining of DNA fragmentation by flowcytometry (sub-G1 peak). The PARP cleavage, as the sign of apoptosis, was investigated by Western blotting.
Results
The results revealed that CT, Tan2A, HCT, and TE exhibited significant cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines. All of these compounds caused apoptosis in treated cells and induced sub-G1 peak in the related flowcytometry histograms. HCT was found to have the highest anti-proliferative activity on cancer cells. Western blotting analysis showed cleavage of PARP protein in MCF-7 cells treated with purified tanshinones and TE after 48 hr contact with cells.