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High-Throughput In Vitro Assay using Patient-Derived Tumor Organoids
Published on: June 14, 2021
Tumor cell specific toxicity of Inula helenium extracts
David C Dorn1, Maja Alexenizer, Jan G Hengstler
1Laboratory of Developmental Hematopoiesis, Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Phytotherapy Research : PTR
|August 17, 2006
Summary
Inula helenium root extract demonstrates potent antineoplastic activity, selectively targeting tumor cells while sparing healthy lymphocytes. This botanical compound shows promise for cancer treatment, especially for apoptosis-resistant cancers.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Botanical extracts are explored for novel anticancer agents.
- Identifying compounds with selective tumor cell toxicity is crucial.
- Apoptosis resistance in cancer necessitates alternative cell death induction methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify botanical extracts with antineoplastic activity.
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of Inula helenium root extract on various cancer cell lines.
- To investigate the mechanism of cell death induced by the extract.
Main Methods:
- MTT assay for cytotoxicity assessment.
- Electron microscopy for morphological analysis of cell death.
- Annexin V staining to evaluate apoptosis.
- Ames test for mutagenicity evaluation.
Main Results:
- Inula helenium root extract exhibited significant selective toxicity against HT-29, MCF-7, Capan-2, and G1 tumor cell lines.
- Tumor cell death involved necrotic-like morphological changes, including mitochondrial swelling and rupture.
- The extract showed over 100-fold higher cytotoxicity in tumor cells compared to healthy human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs).
- The extract was found to be non-mutagenic in the Ames test.
Conclusions:
- Inula helenium root extract possesses potent antineoplastic properties with high selectivity for tumor cells.
- The extract induces cell death through a necrotic-like pathway, potentially overcoming apoptosis resistance.
- Its non-mutagenic profile and selective toxicity make Inula helenium a promising candidate for further anticancer drug development.
