Abstract

Cuscuta kotschyana Boiss is classified as a member of Convolvulaceae family. This plant is mainly a central Asian taxon. Cuscuta is a parasitic plant that wraps around other plants for nourishment. Previous studies have indicated that Cuscuta could possess anticancer and immunostimulatory activities. The chemical constituents of Cuscuta mainly comprise flavonols like quercetin, kaempferol and other glycosids. These compounds maybe responsible for the biological activities of this plant. In the present study, the effects of flavonoid extracts of Cuscuta seed stem and its host plant (vine) was investigated on the growth of breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The HPLC assay revealed that quercetin is the major compound in the extracts. The MTT assay revealed that after treatment with stem and seed extracts, reduced cell viability in MCF-7 cell line in a dose and time dependent manner. The anti proliferative effect of stem extract was significant from 50 µg/ml, and the inhibitory effect of seed extract was significant at 100 µg/ml, after 48 and 72 h. Annexin assay and flow cytometry analysis also showed these extracts (100 µg/ml seed) and (50 µg/ml stem) induced apoptosis 51 and 34%, respectively in MCF-7 cells after 72 h. These finding suggest that the flavonoid extract of Cuscuta could be useful in breast cancer treatment.  

Key words: Cuscuta, dodder plant, flavonoids, MCF7 cells, apoptosis.