Cytotoxic Effects of Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Morus nigra L. and Urtica urens L. Extract against the Human Hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and Mouse L20B Cell Lines

Abstract

The present study aimed to study the cytotoxic effects of three Iraqi traditional medical plants extracts using tissue culture teqnique on the human hepatocarcinoma HepG2 and mouse cell L₂₀B cell lines. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. root, Morus nigra L. and Urtica urens L. leaves were extracted using 99% ethanol solvent. Seven crude concentrations were prepared by serial dilution, with concentrations of 3.9, 7.81, 15.62, 31.25, 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/ml, respectively. These were added to the microtiter plate containing 1x10⁵ cells/well and 200 µl of the medium. The seven concentrations were used in triplicate to investigate their cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects. The analysis of chemical composition of these plant extracts were determined by fast liquid chromatography (FLC). The extract of Urtica urens L showed the highest potent cytotoxicity in the HepG2 and L₂₀B cell lines, while both G. glabra L. and Morus nigra L. crude extracts showed the lowest cytotoxicity. All concentrations of crude extracts showed different cytotoxic activity in vitro.