Evalution of phytochemical and anticancer properties of cotton thistle (Onopordon leptolepis DC.) extract on the survival of CACO2 cancer cells

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to detect the organic compounds of Onopordon leptolepis DC. and also evaluate the anticancer and anti-oxidant effects of the plant extract on CaCO2 cells. Materials and Methods: The effective compounds of air branches of Onopordon leptolepis DC. were studied using phytochemicals methods. Using GC-MS device the components of  ethanolic extract of air branches of Onopordon leptolepis DC. were isolated by Soxhlet method. Also the ethanolic extract of three parts of the plant including air branches, leaf, and stem were evaluated for anti-cancer properties using MTT and NBT methods based on a complete randomized block design. Results: Using GC-MS device we identified 27 components in the extract. Among them, A-Neooleana-3 (5), 12-diene (78.92%), 2 (1H) Naphthalenone, 3.5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-4, 8a-dimethyl-6 - (1-methylethenyl) - (13.65%), and hexadecanoic acid (1.33%), were the main components of the extract respectively. In this study, presence of alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins, and steroids were confirmed in the plant. The results of cell viability analysis using MTT and free radical activity showed that ethanolic extracts of air branches, leaf, and stem of the plant had anticancer activity. The highest rate of neutralization of free radicals produced by cancer cells was observed in the extract of the air branches of the plant. Conclusion: The medicinal and anti-cancer properties of this plant may be due to the presence of some of the alkaloids, glycosides, phenols and other phytochemical compounds in the plant which can be involved in the antioxidant activity of the plant. The detected chemical compounds in the plant can be used in the food industry and production of effective chemical medicines for the treatment of cancer. Key words: Anticancer, Chemical compound, Gas chromatography, Onopordon leptolepis DC.   Received: Aug 14, 2017     Accepted: Apr 20, 2018