Apoptotic and cytotoxic activity of plant extracts obtaining from naturally growing Cynara syriaca in Turkey and cultivated C cardunculus against DLD1 colorectal cancer cells was determined. Extracts from wild and cultivated Cynara species were obtained from their vegetative parts and receptacles using hexane and applied with five different dose (0.1-1 mg/ml) as well as apigenin for MTT tests for three time periods (24, 48 and 72 hours). After cells were treated with IC 50 doses for each extract total DNA and RNA were isolated for determination of the cause of cell death. From isolated RNAs, cDNA were synthesized and amplification of p21, BCL-2 and BAX gene regions was carried out. Consequently, we found that pro-apoptotic (BAX) gene expression and a cell cycle inhibitor (p21) were induced in the presence of our artichoke extracts. In contrast, anti-apoptotic BCL-2 gene expression was reduced compared to the control group. In addition DNA fragmentation results demonstrated DLD1 cell death via apoptosis.

Oil seeds are commonly used in cooking, frying and as salad oil and have commercial and economic importance. Since the seeds are roasted before pressing of the oil, changes occur in their composition; thus it is crucial to modify roasting process to minimise adverse effects. This study reflects the effects of different roasting temperatures (90, 150 and 210 °C for 10 min. in conventional oven) on the oil constituents and some chemical properties of oils from the seeds of sesame, sunflower, soybean, flaxseed and poppy along with comparison to those of unroasted corresponding seed oils. Lipids from roasted seeds of sesame, flax and soybean exhibited relatively higher viscosity and free fatty acids, than lipids from unroasted seeds. With an increase in roasting temperatures the colour of the oils were slightly darker even though the changes were not significant in most cases. The content of α-and γ-tocopherols in oils (except soybean oil) gradually decreased as roasting temperature increased. β-tocopherol was higher in the oils of roasted seeds, while the amount of δ-tocopherol showed different trends with roasting depending on the type of seeds. For sesame and poppy oils, after roasting at 210 °C, stearic and oleic acids showed higher percentages when compared to the levels in oils roasted at 90 and 150 °C.