Cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects of Strobilanthes crispa Blume extracts on nasopharyngeal cancer cells

Koh,Rhun  Yian; Sim,Yi  Chi; Toh,Hwee  Jin; Liam,Liang  Kuan; Ong,Rachael  Sze Lynn; Yew,Mei  Yeng; Tiong,Yee  Lian; Ling,Anna  Pick Kiong; Chye,Soi  Moi; Ng,Khuen  Yen

doi:10.3892/mmr.2015.4152

Cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects of Strobilanthes crispa Blume extracts on nasopharyngeal cancer cells

Authors:
- Rhun Yian Koh
- Yi Chi Sim
- Hwee Jin Toh
- Liang Kuan Liam
- Rachael Sze Lynn Ong
- Mei Yeng Yew
- Yee Lian Tiong
- Anna Pick Kiong Ling
- Soi Moi Chye
- Khuen Yen Ng
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Affiliations: Department of Human Biology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia, School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Selangor 47500, Malaysia, School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
Published online on: July 30, 2015 https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2015.4152
Pages: 6293-6299

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Abstract

The chemotherapeutic agents used to treat nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) exhibit low efficacy. Strobilanthes crispa Blume is widely used for its anticancer, diuretic and anti‑diabetic properties. The present study aimed to determine the cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects of S. crispa on CNE‑1 NPC cells. A 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of S. crispa against CNE‑1 cells. The rate of apoptosis was determined using propidium iodide staining and caspase assays. Ethyl acetate, hexane and chloroform extracts of S. crispa leaves all exhibited cytotoxic effects on CNE‑1 cells, at a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 119, 123.5 and 161.7 µg/ml, respectively. In addition, hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of S. crispa stems inhibited CNE‑1 cell proliferation, at a IC50 of 49.4, 148.3 and 163.5 µg/ml, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis revealed an increased proportion of cells in the sub G1 phase and a decreased proportion of cells in the G2/M phase, following treatment with the extracts. However, the extracts did not alter the activities of caspase ‑3/7, ‑8 and ‑9. No cytotoxic effect was observed when the cells were treated with the methanol and water extracts of S. crispa stems and leaves. In conclusion, the S. crispa extracts were cytotoxic against CNE‑1 cells and these extracts were able to induce apoptosis, independent of caspase activation.

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