ABSTRACT
Black seed [Nigella sativa], belongs to Rannunculaceae family. It has various functions, including immuno-modulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic effects. Anticancer properties of NS compounds are related to their cytotoxic and apoptotic effects. In this study, cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of ethanol: extract of NS was investigated on human kidney cancer cell line [ACHN] and normal cell line [L929]. NS ethanolic extract at 0, 10, 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750 and 2000 micro g/ml concentrations were prepared and studied in culture mediums of ACHN and L929 cells. After 24, 48 and 72h, morphologic changes and MTT assay were performed in both cell lines. Indeed, early and late apoptosis were studied by phosphatidyl serine kit employing flow cytometry technique. After 24h, NS extract at 750 micro g/ml and higher concentrations caused morphological changes and also reduced percentage of alive cells significantly [P<0.05] in ACHN cells compared with L929 cells that showed similar changes at 1250 micro g/ml and higher concentrations. After 48 and 72h, these effects were more prominent. MTT assay results, showed that NS concentration of 750 micro g/ml and higher doses reduce percentage of alive ACHN cells [P<0.05]. L929 cells showed similar changes at 1250 micro g/ml and higher concentrations [P<0.05]. Maximum apoptosis in ACHN cells was happened at 1000 and 1250 micro g/ml [92%] compared with L929 cells that showed maximum apoptosis at 1500 micro g/ml [89%]. Indeed, both cell lines showed a significant increase in apoptosis compared with their control groups [P<0.001]. NS ethanolic extract can may be useful as a cytotoxic and chemotherapeutic agent in kidney cancer treatment