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The Natural Products Journal

Author(s): Zaynab Al-Eisawi*, Salim M. Abderrahman, Islam F. Al-khalaf, Reem Al-Abbassi and Yasser K. Bustanji

DOI: 10.2174/2210315510999201109202255

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Taraxacum officinale Extracts Exhibit Safe and Selective Anticancer Activity

Article ID: e160921187741 Pages: 9

  • * (Excluding Mailing and Handling)

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants have been the primary source of treatment for many diseases. Taraxacum officinale (dandelion), has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional medical remedy for several diseases. However, the anti-cancer potential of this plant has not been fully screened. Genotoxicity screening, which is an integral part of the evaluation of the safety of this plant, is also lacking.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of different extracts of T. officinale.

Methods: The plant sample was extracted in different solvents to prepare ethanol, methanol, chloroform, and water extracts. These extracts were then tested for their ability to inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer (Caco-2), chronic myelogenous leukemia (K562), prostate cancer (PC-3), and breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay, and the selectivity indices were determined with the aid of mortal human fibroblasts. Then the most active extract, chloroform extract, was used to detect the genotoxicity of the constituents on mice bone marrow cells.

Results: The results showed that the T. officinale chloroform extract was found to be most effective against leukemia (K562) and Prostate Cancer (PC-3) cell lines. The extracts showed marked selectivity towards these cancer cells. Genotoxic studies revealed that genotoxic changes occurred after chloroform extract treatment; however, these changes were observed at very high concentrations only.

Conclusion: The results suggest that T. officinale exhibits selective anti-tumor activity, and it is safe for use.

Keywords: Taraxacum officinale, dandelion, cancer, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, leukemia.

Graphical Abstract

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