Effect of total hydroalcholic extract of Nigella sativa and its n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions on ACHN and GP-293 cell lines

Abstract

Medicinal plants are noted for their many advantages including the ability to treat diseases such as cancer. In this study, we examined the antitumor effect of the medicinal plant Nigella sativa on the morphology, survival, and apoptosis of ACHN (human renal adenocarcinoma) and GP-293 (normal renal epithelial) cell lines. From a hydroalcoholic extract of N. sativa, n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were extracted. Cells were treated with various concentrations of total hydroalcholic extract and n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions; cell viability, morphological changes, and apoptosis were then determined. Results were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for the statistical analysis of the data. The total extract and the fractions in a dose- and time-dependent manner reduced the cell viability in ACHN with no effect on the GP-293 cell line. In addition, the total extract resulted in more morphological changes in the ACHN cells compared to the GP-293 cells. The effect of the total extract in inducing apoptosis after 48 hours in the ACHN cell line was greater than in GP-293. In addition, the effect of the two fractions was lower than the total extract at all used concentrations. Therefore, the effect of total extract and n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of N. sativa on cell viability and apoptosis in the ACHN cell line is greater than in the GP-293 cell line. However, the effect of the total extract is higher than either of the two fractions on their own.

Induction of Apoptosis and Growth-Inhibition by Thymoquinone in ACHN and GP-293 Cell Lines in Comparable with Cis-Platinum

“…This showed the shift in the Cis-platinum mechanism from apoptosis to necrosis. These results are consistent with the prev[34]ious studies [17] indicating that Cis-platinum, similar to ethylacetate fractions of N. sativa had dual effects on ACHN cell lines. Our results are also in agreement with recent studies, showing that Cis-platinum induced apoptosis in A549 (human lung carcinoma ); HEP2 (human larynx epidermoid carcinoma); HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) and MIA (human pancreas carcinoma) [35]; CP30 and A2780 (human ovarian cancer) ]36[; NT2 and NCCIT (testicular carcinoma) [30].…”

“…The data indicated that TQ as an active component of N. sativa had higher cytotoxicity in comparison with total extract of N. sativa and its fractions on GP-293 cell line, as reported in previous studies [17]. In regard with our results, a study indicated that there were certain compounds with positive synergistic effects and higher efficacy in the whole plant structure.…”

“…The MTT assay was used for cellular viability assessment [17]. The MTT test as a colorimetric method is based on the breakdown and reduction of yellow tetrazolium crystals.…”

“…The Biovision kit was used for measurement of cell apoptosis in GP-293 and ACHN cell lines, [17]. This kit includes Annexin V and PI.…”

Preclinical and clinical effects of Nigella sativa and its constituent, thymoquinone: A review

“…It was reported that the plant's hydroalcoholic extract (50-2000 mg/ml) and its fractions reduced the cell viability of ACHN (human renal adenocarcinoma) in a dose-and timedependent manner but had no significant cytotoxic effect on the GP-293 cell (normal renal epithelial) (Shahraki et al 2015).…”