Cytotoxic Effects of Aqueous Extract of Portulaca oleracea on Oral Cancer Cell Line

Background: Portulaca oleracea as a herbal plant has been widely used in traditional medicine to cure many diseases. The therapeutic effects of this plant are exerted through its active ingredients with antioxidant properties. It has been shown that this plant may have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. In the present study, cytotoxic effects of aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea on oral cavity cancer cell KB cell line has been investigated. Methods: KB cancer cell line was purchased from National Cell Bank of Pasteur Institute of Iran. Aqueous extract of P. oleracea was prepared by the maceration method. Cytotoxic effect of the aqueous extract of P. oleracea was assessed through different doses for 12, 24 and 48 hours using 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT ) assay and Trypan blue. Also, morphological changes of the nucleus were carried out by Hoechst Staining. Results: Rate of proliferation in cells treated with P.olarecea aqueous showed a significant decrease depending on dose and time; as with the increase of the dose and time, the more cells were decreased. There were also nuclear changes indicative of apoptosis in the cells treated with the extract. Conclusion: It seems that P.oleracea aqueous extract has anti-proliferative effects on oral cavity KB cancer cell line. Further studies need to be undertaken to prove the efficacy and mechanism of its action.