Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant and Cyto-/Genotoxic Activities of Pelargonium Quercetorum Agnew in Human Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

Because the current cancer treatment success rate is not sufficient, plants have been gaining importance as a possible source for anti-cancer compounds. This study aimed to investigate both the genotoxic and cytotoxic activities of methanol extracts of Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew (P. quercetorum), which is traditionally used for its antihelminthic activity, but has not yet been studied for its effect in breast cancer cells. Methods: In this study, the cyto-genotoxic activities of methanol extracts of Pelargonium quercetorum were investigated in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). The cytotoxic effect of the extract on these cells was evaluated by MTT and ATP viability assays. The mode of cell death (apoptosis/necrosis) was determined using fluorescence microscopy and biochemical methods. Genotoxic activity was studied with Comet assay. In addition, the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu and ABTS [2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] methods, respectively. Results: Results of this study reveal that Pelargonium quercetorum has a large total phenolic content and high antioxidant capacity. Pelargonium quercetorum induced anti-growth effects in a dose-dependent manner in cancer cells. The extract killed the cells by apoptosis as evidenced by the presence of pyknotic nucleus and annexin V-FITC positivity. The extract also exerted genotoxic activity at relatively low doses. Conclusion: These results suggest that Pelargonium quercetorum induces apoptosis-like cell death by causing DNA damage in breast cancer cells.

An In Vitro Estimation of the Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Root Extract from Leonurus sibiricus L. Overexpressing AtPAP1 against Different Cancer Cell Lines

“…Basri et al revealed that low doses of acetone extract from stem bark of C. odontophyllum containing polyphenols showed significant DNA damage in HCT 116 cells [ 41 ]. Similarly Arı et al note that phenolic extract from Pelargonium quercetorum exerted genotoxic activity at relatively low doses in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) [ 42 ].…”

CAR‐NK cell in cancer immunotherapy; A promising frontier

“…In addition, in a prostate tumor model, aggressive tumors established in NKG2D-deficient mice showed more prominent levels of NKG2D ligands compared with similar tumors in wild-type mice, indicating a lack of selective pressure by NKG2D-mediated responses. [21][22][23][24] Other reports delivered proof for the importance of NKG2D in NK cell growth and suggested that the lack of the NKG2D resulted in stunted proliferation of NK cells, and further reinforced their susceptibilities to apoptosis. 25…”

Appraisal of the antimicrobial and cytotoxic potentials of nanoparticles biosynthesized from the extracts of Pelargonium quercetorum Agnew

“…Although there are limited studies on this traditionally used plant, it has been shown to cause apoptosis in lung and breast cancer cell lines. In a previous study, it was proved by us that it exhibits antioxidant activity [17][18][19].…”

“…endlicherianum from the Geraniaceae family have strong antimicrobial activity [20,21]. Besides, the strong effects of P. quercetorum and different Pelargonium species on cancer cell lines led us to evaluate the effects of nanoparticles synthesized by P. quercetorum [17,18,22]. For this reason, the biosynthesis of AgNPs was reported for the first time herein using different extracts that were obtained directly from the P. quercetorum plant.…”