Background:
This study was designed as a continuation of a complex investigation about the phytochemical
composition and biological activity of chamomile, parsley, and celery extracts against A375 human
melanoma and dendritic cells.
Objective:
The main aim was the evaluation of the antimicrobial potential of selected extracts as well as the in
vitro anticancer activity against MCF7 human breast cancer cells.
Methods:
In order to complete the picture regarding the phytochemical composition, molecular fingerprint was
sketched out by the help of FTIR spectroscopy. The activity of two enzymes (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase)
after incubation with the three extracts was spectrophotometrically assessed. The antimicrobial
potential was evaluated by disk diffusion method. The in vitro anticancer potential against MCF7 human breast
cancer cells was appraised by MTT, LDH, wound healing, cell cycle, DAPI, Annexin-V-PI assays.
Results:
The results showed variations between the investigated extracts in terms of inhibitory activity against
enzymes, such as acetyl- and butyrilcholinesterase. Chamomile and parsley extracts were active only against
tested Gram-positive cocci, while all tested extracts displayed antifungal effects. Among the screened samples at
the highest tested concentration, namely 60μg/mL, parsley was the most active extract in terms of reducing the
viability of MCF7 - human breast adenocarcinoma cell line and inducing the release of lactate dehydrogenase.
On the other hand, chamomile and celery extracts manifested potent anti-migratory effects. Furthermore, celery
extract was the most active in terms of total apoptotic events, while chamomile extract induced the highest necrosis
rate.
Conclusion:
The screened samples containing phytochemicals belonging in majority to the class of flavonoids
and polyphenols can represent candidates for antimicrobial and anticancer agents.
Biomimetic synthesis of silver nanoparticles from
Streptomyces atrovirens
and their potential anticancer activity against human breast cancer cells
