Cytotoxic Effect of Capparis spinosa L. on the PLC/PRF/5 Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Line

ABSTRACT          Background and Objectives: Capparis spinosa has been used in traditional medicine for various applications including treatment of liver disorders and cancer. We studied the effects of this plant on cell proliferation and morphological characteristics of PLC/PRF/5 liver cancer cell line.         Methods: After preparing ethanolic extract of the plant, the inhibitory effect of the extract was assessed using MTT assay, and morphological changes were assessed by an inverted microscope.        Results: C. spinosa ethanolic extract exhibited anti-cancer effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the extract was 1051±4.21 mg/mL. Morphological changes including cell shrinkage, reduction of cell volume and nuclear condensation confirmed the inhibitory effect of C. spinosa on PLC/PRF/5 cells.         Conclusion: According to the results of this study, extract of C. spinosa seems to be suitable for prevention and treatment of liver cancer. Further studies on animal models could verify the efficiency of the extract against cancer cells. KEYWORDS: Plants, Medicinal, Capparis spinosa, Liver Neoplasms.