Effects of methanolic extracts of Epilobium parviflorum on growth and function of human liver cells HepG2

Abstract

Introduction: Epilobium parviflorum, the willow-herb, extracts contain strong antioxidant compounds and inhibit few types of cancer cell. This study investigates for the first time the effect of its extracts on the growth of human liver cells HepG2, also under oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Methanolic extract of roots, shoots and flowers was prepared separately. Cell viability was assessed by MTT method after 48 hours of treatments with extracts and then with or without hydrogen peroxide treatment. The antioxidant capacity of the extracts as well as the activities of transaminases, superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidase were measured in the treated cells. Results: None of the extracts showed cytotoxicty against HepG2 cells, nevertheless cell viability in treatment with aerial and root extracts was significantly increased (P