Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity Activity of Gypsophila ruscifolia by Bioassay-Guided Fractionation

Background and objectives: The second cause of death in the world and the third cause in Iran is cancer which requires special attention for treatment. The previous reports of Gypsophila genus show significant toxic effects on different cancer cell lines. In this study, bioassay-guided fractionation was applied to determine the cytotoxic activity of root and aerial parts extracts and fractions of Gypsophila ruscifolia Methods: n-Hexane, chloroform, and methanol: H2O (8:2) extracts of root and aerial parts were prepared. Inhibition of cell growth determined by MTT assay in MCF-7, HT-29, A-549, and AGO-1522 cell lines. The most effective extract was fractionated by column chromatography. The cytotoxic effect of fractions was evaluated by MTT assay and apoptotic property of the cytotoxic fraction was determined by annexin V/PI assay in MCF-7 cell line. Results: The chloroform root extract of G. ruscifolia showed cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells with IC50 value of 111.6 ±11.78 μg/mL. MTT assay of five of fractions demonstrated that F3 and F4 with IC50 values of 73.09 ±14.22 and 67.98 ±15.31 μg/mL on MCF-7 cell line, respectively showed cytotoxic effects. Also, F4 demonstrated apoptotic potential in MCF-7 cell line. Conclusion: Considering the results of cytotoxicity and apoptosis studies, isolation and identification of responsible compounds in the chloroform root extract of Gypsophila ruscifolia can be useful in cancer research studies.