Cytotoxic Activity of Arctium lappa L. Fractions on Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231)

Background and objectives: Many studies have focused on herbal medicines due to the adverse effects associated with conventional cancer treatments. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory and anticancer properties of extracts and fractions derived from the root and aerial parts of Arctium lappa (A. lappa) on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Methods: Arctium lappa root and aerial parts were extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The study included two breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and one normal cell line, L929. The anticancer activity of these fractions and extracts was evaluated using an MTT assay, Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis assay, real-time PCR, and an adhesion assay. Results: In a concentration-dependent manner, the total extract and chloroform fraction of A. lappa aerial parts showed significantly stronger growth inhibition in cancer cells than the root extracts. There was a significant induction of necrosis/necroptosis in cells treated with total extract and chloroform fraction of aerial parts. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that treatment with aerial parts extracts significantly increased TLR4 and NF-KB expression in cancer cells, whereas treatment with the aerial parts chloroform fraction reduced these levels. Treatment with the total extract and aerial parts chloroform fraction lowered the BAX/Bcl-2 expression ratio in cancer cells. Conclusion: The chloroform aerial part fraction demonstrated potential therapeutic value due to its overall cytotoxic effects and its ability to modulate gene expression; further investigation is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms, including its potential anti-apoptotic effects.