The effects of Punica granatum L. at different concentrations on two cell lines: in vitro study

Abstract

Introduction

Punica granatum L. (PG), used as a herbal medicine, has therapeutic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, although several studies have already been carried out with this herbal medicine, its possible cytotoxic effects on human tissues are still unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the cytotoxicity of PG through cell culture with two strains: human oral mucosa fibroblasts (LFM) and human oral squamous cell carcinoma (KB) cells.

Material and method

The cells were submitted to the cell viability test for 24 hours in the concentrations of PG 1%, 0.50%, 0.25%, 0.125%, 0.062% and 0.031% and the cell cytotoxicity tests in 4 hours, 1, 3, 5 and 7 days in different concentrations, performed in triplicate. A negative control (Triton 1%) and a positive control without the PG extract were used. The data obtained were submitted to ANOVA (p <0.05).

Result

it was possible to observe that the PG extract has inhibitory effects, being higher in KB cells in relation to LFM. The cytotoxicity and viability tests showed inhibition and death of KB and FLM cells at concentrations of 1%, 0.50% and 0.25%.

Conclusion

The inhibitory effect of PG was dose dependent, showing itself to be greater in KB cells compared to LMB.

Descriptors:
Punica granatum; phytotherapy; cytotoxicity; cancer