Identification of Potent Cytotoxic Plants from Ilam: An In Vitro Approach

Background and objectives: Despite the innovative technologies and the common treatments, cancer remains a significant problem. Since medicinal plants play a crucial role in guiding the development of new pharmaceuticals, this study aimed to assess the cytotoxic effects of selected plants from Ilam province. Methods: Seventy‑eight plants from Ilam province, Iran, were collected, taxonomically identified, and subjected to maceration using methanol. The petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol fractions of selected plants were also prepared by maceration. Cytotoxic effects of the samples were determined by the MTT assay against A549, HepG2, HT-29, MCF7, and MDBK cell lines. Results: Fourteen plants showed the most cytotoxic effect. Among them, Verbascum kurdicum and Anthemis odonthostephana revealed potent cytotoxic effects. Verbascum kurdicum methanol fraction was effective on all cancer cell lines without showing cytotoxicity against the normal MDBK cell line up to the 100 μg/mL (IC50=24.7±2.1 μg/mL, Selectivity index (SI)>4.1, against MCF7). Also, the chloroform fraction of A. odonthostephana was effective on all cancer cell lines (IC50=20.0±2.2 μg/mL, SI=2, against MCF7 ). Conclusion: The present study highlighted the cytotoxic potential of the selected plants which could be a strategic key to discover novel or lead compounds. Verbascum kurdicum and A. odonthostephana can be suitable candidates for comprehensive research to discover active components.