Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of an endemic plant of Turkey Salvia kronenburgii on breast cancer cell lines

CONTEXT: The natural products derived from plants are the important sources that can be used for breast cancer treatment. Salvia species and their derived products were recommended as potential antitumor substances.

AIM: The potential cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Salvia kronenburgii have been investigated on breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Determination of chemical compounds of S. kronenburgii was done using a gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry system and a dual-stage commercial thermal desorption injector. Growth inhibition of the S. kronenburgii was measured by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and ATP viability assays. The cell death mode was detected by fluorescent dyes. Genotoxic effect of S. kronenburgii was measured by comet assay.

RESULTS: S. kronenburgii showed antiproliferative effect in a dose-dependent manner on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines by inducing apoptosis-like cell death. The pyknotic cell nuclei were observed at the cell lines in response to S. kronenburgii. Furthermore, significant increase was shown in genetic damage index and frequencies in the damaged cells.

CONCLUSION: S. kronenburgii might be a promising natural source for cancer therapy. Further experiments need to be done in vivo to understand of the anticancer effects of this plant.