Dorycnium pentaphyllum Extract Has Antiproliferative Effect on Human Cervix and Colon Cancer Cells

Abstract

Although several studies have investigated the cytotoxic effects of different Fabaceae species, limited researches have been conducted on the cytotoxic effect of Dorycnium pentaphyllum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic characterization and the cytotoxic effect of D. pentaphyllum on human cervix (HeLa) and colon (WiDr) cancer cells and the possible mechanisms involved. Total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic characterization of the extract were investigated using the Folin–Cioceltau method and RP-HPLC, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of the extract was evaluated using the MTT assay. The mechanism involved in the extract’s cytotoxic effect was then evaluated in terms of apoptosis and the cell cycle using flow cytometry, while mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was investigated using the fluorometric method. The TPC value of the extract was 141.2 ± 0.8 mg gallic acid equivalent per g sample, and quercetin was detected as major phenolics. D. pentaphyllum extract exhibited a selective cytotoxic effect on HeLa and WiDr cells compared to normal fibroblast and colon cells, respectively. The extract induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and apoptosis via reduced MMP in these cells. Further studies may be useful in developing a natural product based new generation pharmacological agent.

Acknowledgments

The authors also wish to thank Professor Ersan Kalay from the Karadeniz Technical University Medical Biology Department for professional assistance with the flow cytometry studies.

Disclosure Statement

None of the authors had any financial or personal relationships with other individuals or organizations that might inappropriately influence their work during the submission process.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Selim Demir

Selim Demir, Yuksel Aliyazicioglu, Rezzan Aliyazicioglu, Ufuk Ozgen, Orhan Deger, and Ahmet Mentese designed the study. Selim Demir, Ahmet Mentese, and Rezzan Aliyazicioglu planned experiments. Selim Demir, Serap Ozer Yaman, Sila Ozlem Sener, Ahmet Mentese, and Elif Ayazoglu Demir performed the experimental work. All authors provided intellectual input and contributed to preparation of the manuscript.