Evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant and DNA-Binding properties of turmeric extracts

Background and Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has received much interest by researchers due to numerous biological properties. The aim of this study was to compare the anticancer and antioxidant properties of turmeric extracts on colon cancer cells Caco-2 and to survey DNA fragmentation by the extracts.
In order to investigate the cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties and DNA fragmentation, turmeric extracts were prepared by maceration, ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), and soxhlet. The effect of these extracts and curcumin on colon cancer cells Caco-2 was examined by MTT and NBT assay. Then, to study the DNA fragmentation by the extracts DNA-Binding was done.
MTT assay showed that the lowest survival rates were observed for cells treated with the extracts of hexane and ethanol. The results of the NBT showed that the highest amount of percentage of free radicals reduction occurred with maceration extract, ultrasonic extract, and extraction by hexane and ethanol. According to DNA-Binding test, ultrasonic extraction was highly effective in degeneration of DNA.
Investigations show that different extracts of turmeric alone or in combination with chemical anticancer drugs could be used as a new approach in treatment of cancer. Turmeric extract using hexane and ethanol has a great potential in development of modern drugs and can be introduced as a useful source of new leading compounds or pharmacophores.