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Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Real-time Cytotoxicity Assays in Human Whole Blood
Published on: November 7, 2014
Withania somnifera Induces Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Effects on Human T Leukemia Cells
Eleonora Turrini1, Cinzia Calcabrini2, Piero Sestili3
1Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Corso d'Augusto 237, 47921 Rimini, Italy. eleonora.turrini@unibo.it.
Abstract:
Cancer chemotherapy is characterized by an elevated intrinsic toxicity and the development of drug resistance. Thus, there is a compelling need for new intervention strategies with an improved therapeutic profile. Immunogenic cell death (ICD) represents an innovative anticancer strategy where dying cancer cells release damage-associated molecular patterns promoting tumor-specific immune responses. The roots of Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) are used in the Indian traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, neuroprotective, and anticancer activities. The present study is designed to explore the antileukemic activity of the dimethyl sulfoxide extract obtained from the roots of W. somnifera (WE). We studied its cytostatic and cytotoxic activity, its ability to induce ICD, and its genotoxic potential on a human T-lymphoblastoid cell line by using different flow cytometric assays. Our results show that WE has a significant cytotoxic and cytostatic potential, and induces ICD. Its proapoptotic mechanism involves intracellular Ca(2+) accumulation and the generation of reactive oxygen species. In our experimental conditions, the extract possesses a genotoxic potential. Since the use of Withania is suggested in different contexts including anti-infertility and osteoarthritis care, its genotoxicity should be carefully considered for an accurate assessment of its risk-benefit profile.
Insights
Withania somnifera root extract (WE) shows significant antileukemic potential by inducing cancer cell death and immune responses. However, its genotoxic effects require careful consideration for safe therapeutic use.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer chemotherapy faces challenges of toxicity and drug resistance, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is an emerging anticancer approach that leverages dying cancer cells to stimulate anti-tumor immunity.
- Withania somnifera (W. somnifera) root extracts are traditionally used for various medicinal properties, including anticancer effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antileukemic activity of a W. somnifera root extract (WE).
- To evaluate WE's cytostatic, cytotoxic, and ICD-inducing potential.
- To assess the genotoxic profile of WE in a human T-lymphoblastoid cell line.
Main Methods:
- Utilized flow cytometry assays to analyze cytostatic and cytotoxic effects.
- Assessed the induction of immunogenic cell death (ICD).
- Determined the genotoxic potential of the WE.
Main Results:
- WE demonstrated significant cytotoxic and cytostatic effects on T-lymphoblastoid cells.
- WE was found to induce immunogenic cell death (ICD).
- The extract exhibited genotoxic potential under experimental conditions, linked to calcium influx and reactive oxygen species generation.
Conclusions:
- W. somnifera root extract possesses promising antileukemic properties via ICD induction.
- The observed genotoxicity warrants caution and further risk-benefit assessment for clinical applications.
- Further research is needed to balance efficacy and safety for Withania-based cancer therapies.
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