In vitro Investigation of Cytotoxic and Apoptotic Effects of Cynara L. Species in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Apoptotic and cytotoxic activity of plant extracts obtaining from naturally growing Cynara syriaca in Turkeyand cultivated C cardunculus against DLD1 colorectal cancer cells was determined. Extracts from wild andcultivated Cynara species were obtained from their vegetative parts and receptacles using hexane and applied withfive different dose (0.1-1 mg/ml) as well as apigenin for MTT tests for three time periods (24, 48 and 72 hours).After cells were treated with IC50 doses for each extract total DNA and RNA were isolated for determination ofthe cause of cell death. From isolated RNAs, cDNA were synthesized and amplification of p21, BCL-2 and BAXgene regions was carried out. Consequently, we found that pro-apoptotic (BAX) gene expression and a cell cycleinhibitor (p21) were induced in the presence of our artichoke extracts. In contrast, anti-apoptotic BCL-2 geneexpression was reduced compared to the control group. In addition DNA fragmentation results demonstratedDLD1 cell death via apoptosis.