The Effect of Different Concentrations of Smyrnium cordifolium (F: Apiaceae) Extract on Apoptosis and Proliferation of MCF-7

  Introduction & objectives: Application of traditional medicine and identification of herbs to treat cancer are being on the rise. Little information is available on the anticancer effects of Smyrnium cordifolium bioss species. For this purpose, the present study investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the alcoholic extract of S. cordifulium. Methods: After preparing the plant and its alcoholic extract, different concentrations of the extract (0, 2, 10, 50 and 250 μg/ml) were added to the culture medium of MCF-7 cells. MTT assay was used to evaluate cytotoxicity of different extract concentrations. In addition, acridine orange-ethidium bromide staining was used to assess apoptosis rates. Data was analyzed by SPSS software at the significance level of 5%. Results: the results of this study showed that S. cordifolium extract at 250μg/ml concentration had a more inhibitory effect on proliferation compared to other treatment groups. Moreover, this concentration (250μg/ml) had a significant effect on apoptosis in comparison with other concentrations. Conclusion: In conclusion, it seems that alcoholic extract of S. cordifolium can partially reduce proliferation of cancer cells.