Cytotoxic, genotoxic and anti-metastatic activity of Alkanna orientalis (L.) extract on glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer

OpenAlex İngilizce

This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time, the anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects of the aqueous extract of Alkanna orientalis (L.) on U87-MG glioblastoma cells. The cytotoxicity of this extract on normal human dermal fibroblasts and its anti-cancer activity on glioblastoma cells were assessed by using MTT assay. The potential genotoxic effects of the Alkanna orientalis (L.) extract on cell nuclei were further examined by Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining and analyzed microscopicall. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the extract at a selected dose on the metastatic capacity of glioblastoma cells was investigated using in vitro scratch assay. Even the lowest tested dose exhibited notable anti-proliferative activity against U87-MG glioblastoma cells, while no significant levels of cellular toxicity were observed at low and moderate concentrations. However, the highest concentration resulted in a partial decrease in viability, particularly in HDF cells. Hoechst 33258 staining revealed no evidence of genotoxic nuclear alterations in HDF cells treated with 400 µg/mL extract compared to untreated controls. Moreover, the in vitro scratch assay revealed a pronounced inhibition of U87-MG cell migration 24 hours after treatment with this plant extract, indicating a potential anti-metastatic effect. These findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Alkanna orientalis (L.) may represent a promising alternative therapeutic candidate for the treatment of glioblastoma.