Abstract

In the present paper, we demonstrate that extract of Cuscuta kotchiana is able to inhibit in vitro proliferation of two human breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. The expression levels of p53, bcl-2, caspase-3 and bax genes at the mRNA and protein levels were evaluated using quantitative Real Time PCR and western blot analysis. The most active fractions of C. kotchiana were detected by NMR as pratensein and pratensein glycoside. The cytotoxic activity of pratensein glycoside was significantly more than pratensein. The expression level of bcl2 gene was decreased in cancer cells treated by both compounds at CC50 concentrations. But the expression levels of caspase-3, p53 and bax genes were increased in treated cancer cells. In conclusion, all the data demonstrated that the glycoside form of pratensein is important agent in inducing apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.

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