Botanical Therapeutics (Part II): Antimicrobial and In Vitro Anticancer Activity against MCF7 Human Breast Cancer Cells of Chamomile, Parsley and Celery Alcoholic Extracts

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 anti-cancer potential against MCF7 human breast cancer cells was appraised by MTT, LDH, wound healing, cell cycle, DAPI, Annexin-V-PI assays.

Results: 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 60 µg/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.

Keywords: Chamomile; MCF7 cells; acetyl- and butyrilcholinesterase; antiproliferative; celery; cytotoxic; lipoxygenase; parsley; proapoptotic.