Cytotoxic activities of Euphorbia kopetdaghi against OVCAR-3 and EJ-138 cell lines

Over the centuries, the genus Euphorbia was known to be toxic to humans and animals. Recently, in a primary study significant suppressive activity against phytohemagglutinin activated T-cell proliferation has been reported from this plant. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of different parts of E. kopetdaghi against cancer cell lines. Filtration and in vacuo concentration resulted in a green gum which was subjected on silica gel CC (hexane/Acetone, 0???50) to several fractions: F1-F8. The inhibitory effects of obtained fractions with 5, 50, and 500 μg/ml concentrations were evaluated on proliferation and viability of cancer cells (OVCAR and EJ-138) in 48 hours treatment. Finally, cell viability was determined at a wavelength of 570 by 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. Based on studies of microscopic observation and viability testing, F1, F2, F4, F5, F6, and F7 showed significant cytotoxic effect at concentration of 50 and 500 μg/ml against EJ-138 and OVCAR-3 cell lines. These fractions inhibited growth of EJ-138 and OVCAR-3 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Fraction of F8 induced tumor promotion significantly in EJ-138 and OVCAR-3 cells, respectively. Due to the inhibitory properties of E. kopetdaghi extract and its fractions on cancer cells of OVCAR3 and EJ-13, isolation, purification and identification of compounds presented in the fractions possessing cytotoxic effects are recommended which were the area of our future research.