Evaluation of the Cytotoxic Activity of Anthriscus nemorosa on Breast Cancer Cells

Objective: The present study concerns the cytotoxic activity of A. nemorosa different extracts on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and normal cell lines (HFFF). Methods: Different extracts of aerial parts of A. nemorosa were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. The cytotoxicity of samples was assessed by MTT assay on breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and noncancerous cells (HFFF) with different concentrations of extracts in 24 and 48 hours. The most potent extract was fractioned and cytotoxic activity of fractions was considered, As well. A flow cytometry (annexin V/PI) assay has been used for detecting the mechanism of cell death in sample treated cell lines. Moreover, for clarifying volatile components of n-Hexane extract and its 80% and 100% VLC fractions were subjected to GC-MS apparatus. Results: Results indicated that n-Hexane extract and its 80% and 100% VLC fractions exhibited a significant (p<0.001) inhibitory effect on the growth of the MCF-7 cell line compared to the control group. Meanwhile, flow cytometry analysis revealed that potent extract caused cell death through necrosis and 80% and 100% fractions showed different mechanisms (such as autophagy). The major compounds, which maybe were in charge of showing cytotoxic activity were non-terpenoids. Conclusion: This study provides the evidence that in vitro cytotoxic activity of n-Hexane extract and 80% and 100% VLC fractions of A. nemorosa inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF7) via a different mechanism.