In Vitro Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Effects of <i>Portulaca oleracea</i> Ethanolic Extracton on HeLa Cell Line

Abstract

Background: Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is an ubiquitous garden weed that has been traditionally used as an antidiabetic and anti-inflammation agent. However, its potential antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects against cancerous cells are still unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the antitumoral activity of the ethanolic extract of aerial parts of P. oleracea on HeLa cell line. Methods: In this study, HeLa cells were cultured and exposed to various concentrations of P. oleracea ethanolic extract for 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity and cell viability were evaluated, using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and trypan blue, respectively. Results: P. oleracea ethanolic extract effectively decreased proliferation of HeLa cell (P < 0.001). It also decreased the viability of the cells after treatment with the extract (P < 0.001). Ethanolic extract of P. oleracea exerts its time and dose dependent effects. Conclusions: It is suggested that P. oleracea has antiproliferative effects and could affect cell cycle of HeLa cell line. However, some issues about its optimal dose and time, its efficiency compared to routine cancer therapy medicines and its behavior against normal cells should be clarified before its clinical application as a therapeutic agent.