A mixed‐apoptotic effect of Jurinea mesopotamica extract on prostate cancer cells: a promising source for natural chemotherapeutics

Abstract

This research investigates the potential use of Jurinea mesopotamica Hand.‐Mazz. (Asteraceae) in cancer treatment. In this study, a plant extract was prepared using all parts of J. mesopotamica, and its effect on the proliferation of cancer and normal cells was tested using the MTT method. It was found to have a selective cytotoxic effect on prostate cancer cells, with the lowest IC50 (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration) of 10µg/mL found in the butanol extract (JMBE). The extract suppressed the proliferation of prostate cancer cells (67%), disrupted organelle integrity (49%), increased reactive oxidative stress (66%), and triggered cell death (51%). In addition, apoptotic gene expressions and protein levels increased, and the profile of amino acids related to energy metabolism was elevated. Based on LC‐MS/MS results, the plant contained higher levels of flavonoids, including isoquercitrin, cosmosiin, astragalin, nicotiflorin, luteolin, and apigenin. These results suggest that J. mesopotamica has a selective effect on prostate cancer due to its high flavonoid content and might be a promising natural alternative for cancer treatment.