Effects of Loranthus Europaeus Ethylacetate and Chloroform Extracts on the Growth of Rhabdomyosarcoma and Rat Embryo Fibrblast Cell Lines

In spite of the potential usefulness of herbal drugs, numerous reports of adverse effects Aguand fatalities have highlighted that traditional herbal medicines also need to be evaluated regarding their safety. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of Iraqi plant, Loranthus europaeus L. (Mistletoe) ethylacetate and chloroform extracts on the growth of Rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) and Rat Embryo Fibroblast (REF) cell lines. These cell lines were incubated with different concentrations of EtAc and chloroform extracts (125, 250 and 500μg/L) and the effect on growth was estimated using crystal violet cytotoxicity assay method; the extent of growth was expressed as percent inhibition and compared with that produced by the vehicle. The results showed that 125 μg/L EtAc extract induced significantly the growth of RD and REF cells, while 250 and 500 μg/L produced pronounced cytotoxic effects; meanwhile, all concentrations of the chloroform extract produced a concentration-dependent decrease of growth in both cell lines. The cytotoxic effect of both extracts is not significantly different in both cases. In conclusion, low concentrations of Loranthus europaeus EtAc produced proliferative activity in RD and REF cells, while higher concentrations showed accelerated cytotoxic effect; meanwhile, the chloroform extract showed consistent cytotoxic activity in concentration dependent pattern.