Antiproliferative activity against various cancer cells and phytochemical components of Thai herbal formula

Abstract

Recently, cancer has become a major disease causing death of Thai people. Herbal formulas are complementary choices used for cancer treatment. In this study, a traditional herbal formula, which has been used for lung and liver cancer treatment, was selected from Wang Nam Yen district in Sa Kaeo province. Aqueous extracts of the whole formula and of each component herb were investigated for antiproliferative activity by MTT colorimetric assay against four human cancer cells (KB, MCF-7, HepG2, SiHa) and a non-cancerous cell (Vero). The whole formula extract inhibited growth of hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) with IC50 value of 347.87 ± 55.06 μg/ml but showed no activity on other cancer cells. Furthermore, the aqueous extract of phaya fai (Diospyros undulata Well. Ex. G. Don. var. cratericalyx (Craib) Bakh.) and of krajai (Caesalpinia hymenocarpa (Prain) Hattink) showed the most potent antiproliferative effect against all cancer cell lines. Phytochemical screenings of aqueous extracts of the whole formula and of each herb were conducted. Flavonoids and lactone compounds were the major compounds found in the whole formula extract. Whereas, tannins and saponins were also found in each component extract, other anticancer activities and chemical compounds should be studied to consider the mechanism.