Cytotoxic Effect of the Essential oils from Erigeron Canadensis L. on Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells in Vitro

Abstract

Erigeron Canadensis L. (E. canadensis) is a widely distributed invasive weed species in China. Potentially anticancer qualities may exist in its essential oils (EOs). The purpose of this study was to analyze the components of the EOs of E. canadensis and their effects on the normal liver cell lines L02 and the human cervical cancer cell lines HeLa. The EOs from the upper region of E. canadensis were prepared, its components were identified by GC/MS. Cell viability, cell morphology observation, AO/EB dual fluorescence staining assay, flow cytometry, mitochondrial membrane potential, western blot, caspase inhibitor test, and oxidative stress tests were used to investigate the impact of the EOs on HeLa cells. Network pharmacological analysis was employed to study the potential mechanism of the EOs in the treatment of cervical cancer. According to the findings, the EOs had 21 chemical components, of which limonene made up 65.68 %. After being exposed to the EOs, the cell viability of HeLa and L02 dramatically declined. The inhibition of EOs was more effective than that of limonene when used in an amount equivalent to that in the EOs. L02 cells were less susceptible to the cytotoxicity of EOs than HeLa cells were. Furthermore, EOs altered the cell cycle in HeLa cells and caused oxidative stress and apoptosis. Compared with the control group, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels increased in HeLa cells at first and then decreased, total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in HeLa cells significantly decreased. G1 phase cells decreased whereas G2/M phase cells increased. The rate of apoptosis rose. Reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and Caspase-3, À 9, and À 12 protein expression were both observed. Nerolidol, dextroparaffinone, and α-pinene were shown to be the primary components for the suppression of HeLa cells, according to the results of the prediction of pharmacologic targets. In conclusion, findings of this study indicated the EOs may have the potential to curb the growth of cervical cancer cells. Further research is needed to explore the in vivo effect of EOs.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activities of Citrus hystrix, Citrus limon, Citrus pyriformis, and Citrus microcarpa Leaf Essential Oils against Human Cervical Cancer Cell Line

“…Surprisingly, C. pyriformis, which contained the highest proportion of limonene (70.4%), displayed the lowest antiproliferative activity. A few studies have highlighted that limonene might not be a primary contributor to the cytotoxicity of essential oils [ 49 , 50 , 51 ]. On the other hand, several other terpenes that are found in Citrus spp.…”

Essential Oils in Cervical Cancer: Narrative Review on Current Insights and Future Prospects

“…For example, Moirangthem et al [87] reported that Cephalotaxus griffithii EO treatment induced cytoplasmic membrane blebbing, nuclear contraction, nuclear fragmentation, and the formation of apoptotic bodies in HeLa cells, associated with up-regulated expression of caspase-3, a central protein involved in the process of apoptosis. Similarly, Erigeron canadensis EO treatment led to increased expression of caspase-3, -9, and -12 proteins, nuclear pyknosis, and abnormal chromatin condensation in HeLa cells [88]. Additionally, EOs have been shown to induce cell cycle arrest by blocking cells in the G0/G1 phase [89][90][91].…”