Evaluation of the anticancer potential of six herbs against a hepatoma cell line

Fifty percent ethanol-water crude extracts of the six herbs were prepared. The cytotoxicity of the herbal extracts relative to that of melphalan was evaluated using a hepatoma cell line (HepG2), and examined by neutral red assays and apoptosis induction by gel electrophoresis and flow cytometry after 24 h.A significant difference was found between the cytotoxicity of the 50% ethanol-water crude extracts and melphalan (P？=？0.000). The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of all six herbs exhibited cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, with IC50 values ranging from 100 to 500 μg/mL. The extract of T. triptera showed the highest cytotoxicity with an IC50 of 148.7？±？12.3 μg/mL, while melphalan had an IC50 of 39.79？±？7.62 μg/mL. The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of D. winitii and T. triptera, but not A. harmandii, produced a DNA ladder. The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of D. winitii, T. triptera, and A. harmandii induced apoptosis detected by flow cytometry.The 50% ethanol-water crude extracts of D. winitii, T. triptera, and A. harmandii showed anticancer activity in vitro.The Plant Genetics Conservation Project, under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, aims to evaluate the biochemical activities and properties of potential medicinal plants. Previously, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of medicinal plants found in Chaiyaphum province have been discovered [1]. Therefore, subsequent studies were extended for herbs in other Plant Genetics Conservation Project areas, including Terminalia triptera Stapf and Terminalia mucronata Craib & Hutch in Combretaceae, Croton oblongifolius Roxb. and Bridelia ovata Decne in Euphorbiaceae, Diospyros winitii Fletcher in Ebenaceae, and Artabotrys harmandii Finet & Gagnep. in Annonaceae. Except for T. mucronata and A. harmandii, the other four herbs are all found in China [2,3].The abovementioned herbs are commonly used in Asia [2,3]. For example, the bark of T. triptera is used with betel nuts as a remedy for