Growth Inhibitory Effect of Anthemis haussknechtii Root Extract, as a Source of Parthenolide, on Breast Cancer Cell Line

Abstract

Parthenolide is major Sesquiterpene lactones present in <em>Anthemis haussknechtii </em>Boiss. & Reut. (feverfew). This compound has many effects on different disease such as migrain and cancer. Parthenolide was reported from <em>Tanacetum parthenium</em> (L.) Sch.Bip. but other plants of Asteraceae family could contain parthenolide. In this study parthenolide was extracted and identified with two methods, Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231, was exposed to different concentrations of parthenolide for 24 hours. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) was evaluated using Methylthiazol Tetrazolium (MTT) test. Based on results, 1000 µg/ml concentration is the minimum lethal dose that kills approximately 50% of cells after 24 hours. The results revealed that the <em>A.</em> <em>haussknechtii </em>parthenolide dramatically decreased survival of cancer cell line by inducing apoptosis. This is the first report of cytotoxicity effect of A<em>.</em> <em>haussknechtii </em>extract on breast cancer cell line.