Cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of acetone and aqueous Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra extracts on colorectal cancer cells

Introduction: The cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of two extracts of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra plants individually and in combination with mitomycin C (MMC), were evaluated.Methods: Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Cytotoxicity of the treatments was investigated using MTT assay, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry in SW-480 colon cancer cells and human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).Results: A. vulgaris extracts were richer sources of total flavonoids and phenolic acids, than A. alba. Acetone extract of A. vulgaris exhibited a weak cytotoxic activity in SW-480 cells, while a remarkable effect was detected after cells exposure to A. alba extract (IC50 value was 240.12 +/- 25.49 for A. vulgaris vs. 3.89 +/- 1.47 mu g/mL for A. alba). Both aqueous extracts did not affect SW-480 cells viability. In MMC combination treatment, A. alba acetone extract exhibited significant activity in SW-480 cells (IC50 values were 4.94 +/- 1.93 mu g/mL for 24 h and <1 mu g/mL for 72 h). Both extracts of A. vulgaris and aqueous extract of A. alba showed cytotoxic activity only after long-term exposure (IC50 < 1). The cytotoxic activity in PBLS cells was not detected. The tested extracts concentrations (10 and 100 mu g/mL) induced apoptosis in SW-480 cells. Higher levels of apoptotic cells were detected in combined treatments of extracts with MMC compared to individual extract treatments.Conclusion: Investigated Artemisia species could be used as a potential source of anticancer agents for colon cancer therapy.