The variable effect on proliferation of a colon cancer cell line by the citrus fruit flavonoid Naringenin.

OBJECTIVE

Naringenin, a naturally occurring flavonoid found in citrus fruits, is known to have anticarcinogenic properties. We have examined the effect of Naringenin on cell proliferation of an HT-29 colon cancer cell line.

METHODS

HT-29 colon cancer cells were cultured in 96-well tissue culture plates. Naringenin concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 2.85 mmol were added to the wells of the Test group. The Control group contained all the elements present in the Test group with the exception of Naringenin. Cell proliferation was measured by colourimetric assay using the 2% WST-1 cell proliferation kit.

RESULTS

Significant inhibition of cell proliferation was observed in HT29 colon cancer cells exposed to Naringenin at doses greater than 0.71 mmol.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a potential role for citrus fruits as a source of chemoprotective agents for colon cancer.