OBJECTIVE

is a genus of perennial plant within the Plumbaginaceae family. Here, we aimed to investigate anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial potential of methanol extract of three Iranian endemic species of including and

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MTT assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction was examined by annexin V-PE apoptosis detection kit. Antioxidant activity was reported based on the DPPH-scavenging and DCF-DA assay. Antibacterial activity was measured by disc diffusion and micro-well dilution assay.

RESULTS

MTT assay showed less cytotoxicity of methanol extracts against the HUVEC normal cell line (IC values: 817-900 µg/ml) compared to cancer cell lines MCF-7, HT29, SH-SY5Y, NCCIT and A549 (IC values: 213 to 600 µg/ml) that show the specificity of extracts toward cancer cells. Plant extract showed apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phases documented by annexin V staining and flow cytometry. According to antioxidant tests, extracts exhibited significant DPPH scavenging potential (IC values: 30-37 µg/ml) and could protect against HO-induced oxidative stress. Antibacterial activities showed a stronger inhibitory effect on  and as Gram- negative bacteria (diameter of inhibition zone: 11-13 mm and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC): 3.175 to 12.5 mg/ml) compared to Gram-positive bacteria including and (diameter of inhibition zone: 3-7 mm and MIC: 25 to 50 mg/ml).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested moderate cytotoxic and antibacterial potential and noteworthy antioxidant activity for the examined species.