Ferutinin content and cytotoxic effects of various Ferula L. species on prostate cancer (PC-3) cell line

Abstract

Ferula L. is represented by 23 taxa in Turkish flora. Most of the species are known as “Caksır” and roots are used as aphrodisiac in Anatolia. The aim of this study is to investigate the cytotoxic potential of roots of twelve different Ferula L. species distributing in Anatolia on prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Three extracts with different polarity were prepared from grounded roots of plants by ultrasonic solvent extraction. WST assay was performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of extracts. High cytotoxic activity was observed in F. elaeochytris, F. drudeana chloroform extracts and F. szowitsiana hexane extract (IC50: 3.21±0.24μg/ml, 5.92±0.53μg/ml, 8.03±0.51μg/ml respectively) whereas methanol extracts of all species had no cytotoxic activity. F. tingitana chloroform extract induced high proliferation in dose dependent manner. A daucane ester “ferutinin” content was evaluated among the extracts by UPLC and it is found in highest concentrations in F. tenuissima and F. halophila hexane extracts (167380 μg/g and 157160 μg/g respectively). Although there is not a direct relationship between ferutinin content and cytotoxicity on PC-3, F. elaeochytris, F. drudeana, F. szowitsiana and F. tenuissima can be good candidates for the further studies for finding lead phytochemical compounds for prostate cancer treatment.