Tagetes patula L. flower methanolic extract exhibited beneficial actions against hepatocellular carcinoma via induction of apoptosis

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as a primary malignant tumor with limited treatment options. Tagetes patula flower methanolic extract, containing patuletin as major flavonoid, was reported to exhibit beneficial effects against various cancer cell lines. Objective: Keeping this in view, the present study was designed to assess their beneficial action against HCC in both in vitro and in vivo models. Methods: The anti-HCC (Hep G2 cancer cell line) action was determined (Sulforhodamine B assay) followed by apoptosis (Annexin-V) assay. For in vivo assessment, diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced HCC rat model was used. The parameters evaluated involve body and liver weights, CBC, LFT, histopathology and expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-?, IL-6 and AFP). Results: The extract caused dose-dependent inhibition of growth (IC50=176±23 ?g/ml) against Hep G2 cells, while patuletin failed to exhibit any such action. Furthermore, the Tagetes extract treatment resulted in a significant decrease in cell viability and a corresponding increase in apoptosis (both early and late phase), comparable to the effects observed with vinblastine. In rats, DEN treatment also decreased the body weight, altered liver architecture and raised cytokines levels. All of these effects were neutralized by extract in both prevention and treatment protocols. Conclusion: Overall, T. patula flower methanolic extract has demonstrated beneficial effects in in vitro and in vivo models of HCC. Hence, it presents itself as a potential source for anti-HCC drug development.