Cytotoxicity effect of <i>Capparis spinosa</i> L. on the HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex condition associated with a poor prognosis. HCC is the third most common cause of cancer mortality which is continuously increasing. <i>Capparis spinosa</i> is used by traditional medical physicians in Iran to treat liver disorders and has been shown to prevent HCC. Treatment of HepG2 cells with <i>Capparis spinosa</i> ethanolic extract (CSE) inhibited cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner, and enhanced apoptosis of HepG2 cells by activation of caspase-8 and caspase-9 and down regulation of Bcl-2. Treatment of HepG2 cells with CSE also increased expression of the Cdk inhibitory protein (Cip1/p21). This study is a new design to investigate the <i>in vitro</i> effect of CSE on anti-HCC property.