Cytotoxic effect of Centaurea solstitialis L. (Asteraceae) on cell cultures

Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic effect of Centaurea solstitialis (C. solstitialis ) L. (Asteraceae) plant extract on A-549 lung cancer cells. Cytotoxicity is an important parameter to evaluate the lethal effect of plant extract on cancer cells. This study aims to provide information about the potential medicinal use of the plant. Methods: In this study, plant specimens were collected from the campus area of Kırıkkale University during flowering in May-June and identified in ADO Herbarium. Dried and crumbled plant leaves were mixed with 70% ethyl alcohol to form a paste and this mixture was kept in a magnetic stirrer for at least 48 hours. It was then kept in a fume hood for at least 48 hours to dry and the dried material was labeled and stored in ependorf tubes. Cytotoxicity was determined by WST-1 assay and evaluated by examining the morphological characteristics of the cells. This study was conducted to understand the effect of C. solstitialis on cells and to evaluate its potential medicinal use. Results: Different doses of C. solstitialis plant extract (200ug/ml, 100ug/ml, 0.05ug/ml, 0.025ug/ml, 0.025ug/ml, 0.0125ug/ml) were tested and the percentage of cell viability was calculated relative to the control group. The results revealed that dose 1 exhibited a cell viability of 26%, with dose 2 showing the highest cell viability at 38%, dose 3 at 74%, dose 4 at 80% and dose 5 at 96%. The toxicity levels of C. solstitialis plant extract were determined and apoptotic and necrotic effects were examined at the observed toxic doses. These findings highlight the potential cytotoxicity of C. solstitialis plant extract on A-549 lung cancer cells. Conclusion: The results showed that C. solstitialis showed a cytotoxic effect and the percentage of viability decreased depending on the dose. As the dose applied to the cell decreased, the percentage of viability increased and the cytotoxic effect decreased. Apoptotic and necrotic effects observed at toxic doses suggest that programmed cell death mechanisms are induced. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to compare the cytotoxic effects of C. solstitialis with other Centaurea species.