Anti-proliferative effects of some fractions of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. flower and aerial part of Nepeta crispa L. on K562 leukemic cells

Previous studies have shown an anti-tumoral effect for different species of plant having similar component with Elaeagnus angustifolia L.and Nepeta crispa L. on cancer cells. This study was performed to evaluate the anti-tumural effects of Elagnus angustifolia and Nepeta crispa extracts on leukemia cancer cells. Cancer cells, grown in DMEM/F12 culture medium, were supplemented with fetal calf serum, 100U/ml penicillin and 100μg/ml streptomycint, then incubation at 37°C in a 5% CO2. The fractions of Hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform and aquesse at 10-160 μg/ml concentration were applied on K562 leukemic cells, and their effects were evaluated on proliferation and viability of cells by cell counter and LDH kits, respectively. Result showed that chloroform (chf), ethylacetate (EA) fractions of Elaeagnus angustifolia and Nepeta crispa showed an important cytotoxic effect on K562 cells. Isolated extracts from E. angustifolia flower and N. crispa caused a significant decrease in lukemia cancer cell growth. Therefore, this plant could be candidate for therapeutic or preventive activity against cancer-related disorders. Isolation and purification of effective compound/s from this extract and determination of their mechanisms of action are suggested.