Cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of acetone and aqueous Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra extracts on colorectal cancer cells

The cytotoxic and apoptotic activities of two extracts of Artemisia vulgaris L. and Artemisia alba Turra plants individually and in combination with mitomycin C (MMC), were evaluated. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were determined using spectrophotometric methods. Cytotoxicity of the treatments was investigated using MTT assay, and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry in SW-480 colon cancer cells and human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). A. vulgaris extracts were richer sources of total flavonoids and phenolic acids, than A. alba. Acetone extract of A. vulgaris exhibited a weak cytotoxic activity in SW-480 cells, while a remarkable effect was detected after cells exposure to A. alba extract (IC50 value was 240.12 ± 25.49 for A. vulgaris vs. 3.89 ± 1.47 µg/mL for A. alba). Both aqueous extracts did not affect SW-480 cells viability. In MMC combination treatment, A. alba acetone extract exhibited significant activity in SW-480 cells (IC50 values were 4.94 ± 1.93 µg/mL for 24 h and <1 µg/mL for 72 h). Both extracts of A. vulgaris and aqueous extract of A. alba showed cytotoxic activity only after long-term exposure (IC50 < 1). The cytotoxic activity in PBLS cells was not detected. The tested extracts concentrations (10 and 100 µg/mL) induced apoptosis in SW-480 cells. Higher levels of apoptotic cells were detected in combined treatments of extracts with MMC compared to individual extract treatments. Investigated Artemisia species could be used as a potential source of anticancer agents for colon cancer therapy.