Thymus carnosus extracts induce anti-proliferative activity in Caco-2 cells through mechanisms that involve cell cycle arrest and apoptosis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Martins-Gomes, C (Author) Other; Souto, EB (Author) Other; Cosme, F (Author) Other; Nunes, FM (Author) Other; Silva, AM (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Functional Foods

Vol. 54

Pages: 128-135

ISSN: 1756-4646

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 6 Citations

Scopus - 14 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Y-1FA

DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2019.01.010

Abstract (EN): Thymus carnosus is a thyme species rich in bioactive compounds with potential medicinal properties, but the effect of its extract are poorly studied. This work aims to compare the effect of aqueous (decoction) and hydroethanolic (HE) extracts from T. carnosus aerial parts, concerning anti-proliferative activity and underlying mechanisms. Caco-2 and HepG2 cells exposure to extracts induced dose- and time-dependent reduction in cell viability. Decoction showed very low toxicity (IC50 > 500 mu g/mL (both cell lines) comparing to HE (IC50 similar to 30 (Cato-2) and similar to 120 (HepG2) mu g/mL). Dose-dependent cell cycle arrest was observed in Caco-2 cells exposed to both extracts. At IC50 concentrations, HE extracts only slightly increase Annexin/PI double staining, while decoction extracts significantly increased Annexin/PI fluorescence which results in a dose-dependent large increase of cells in late apoptosis. In conclusion, Thymus carnosus anti-proliferative activity against Caco-2 cells highlights the potential of this plant, and its extracts, as functional food/ingredient with nutraceutical and pharmacological value.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8