Journal of Cancer and Tumor International

Aim: The present investigation was aimed at assessing the antiproliferative and apoptotic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of X. strumarium on HeLa cell line.

Study Design: Antitumour activity of Xanthium strumarium was checked by testing against cultured HeLa cells.

Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Zoology BMTC and Human Genetics, University School of Sciences,  Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India between January 2012 and October 2012.

Materials and Methods: Antiproliferative activity was evaluated by MTT assay in a dose and time dependant manner after treatment with the Xanthium extract. Trypan blue viability assay was also performed. Apoptosis induction in the cells post treatment was determined by DNA fragmentation assay by diphenylamine method, Agarose gel electrophoresis and Acridine orange - Ethidium bromide dual staining. The results were compared to that of untreated cells. Effect of treatment on HeLa cellular protein level was determined by colourimetric assay. Also, the proteins were isolated and analyzed on polyacrylamide gel.

Results: The extracts inhibited growth and proliferation of HeLa cells through induced cell death, which was dose and time dependant. The IC₅₀ value was found to be 34.64 µg/ml after 48 hours of treatment. The induction of DNA fragmentation and the increase in number of apoptotic cells post treatment suggest the possibility of apoptosis induction. A significant decrease in protein level was also observed.

Conclusion: Although further study of the chemotherapeutic effect of this plant is required, the results raise the possibility that the extract of Xanthium strumarium is a potent chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of various cancers.