Cytotoxic Evaluation of Acanthophyllum glandulosum Bung. ex Boiss: Comparative Analysis of Anticancer Activity on AGS Gastric Cancer Cells and Human dermal fibroblasts

Abstract

Introduction: Gastric cancer remains one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. In the quest for novel therapeutic agents, medicinal plants have garnered significant interest. This study evaluates the cytotoxic effects of Acanthophyllum glandulosum Bung. ex Boiss, a plant from the Caryophyllaceae family, on AGS (gastric cancer) and HDF (human fibroblast) cell lines. Methods: Acanthophyllum glandulosum samples were collected from Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, identified, and authenticated. Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared using a maceration technique. The cytotoxicity of these extracts was assessed using the MTT assay on AGS and HDF cell lines. IC50 values were calculated, and statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the data. Results: The IC50 value for AGS cells was 294 µg/mL, with a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of 184-470 µg/mL and an R-value of 0.8309. For HDF cells, the IC50 was 74 µg/mL, with a 95% CI of 70-78 µg/mL and an R-value of 0.9964. Conclusion: Acanthophyllum glandulosum demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against AGS cells, inhibiting cell growth at concentrations below 100 µg/mL. However, it also exhibited cytotoxic effects on HDF cells, suggesting that while it has potential as an anticancer agent, further studies are necessary to evaluate its selectivity and minimize potential toxicity to non-cancerous cells.

Keywords: Phytotherapy,, Gastric Neoplasms, Cytotoxicity, Medicinal Plants, Anticancer Agents