Extracts of Cistus creticus cultivated at different salinity levels exhibit promising therapeutic potential for pancreatic cancer cell lines

Abstract

Background: Cistus creticus L. subsp. creticus is a characteristic species commonly distributed in the Mediterranean region. It has been proved to contain antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer traits. Purpose: In this study, C. creticus plants were grown in hydroponic culture under different salinity levels (0, 30, or 60 mM NaCl) and were extracted using two other solvents (70 % ethanol and distilled water). The effect of salinity on plant growth and mineral homeostasis, biochemical content of extracts and therapeutic impact on cell death and cell survival in pancreatic cancer cell lines were studied. Methods: Pancreatic cancer cell lines (PANC-1, MIA PaCa-2, and AsPC-1) were treated with different C. creticus extracts were grown, and cell survival, autophagy and apoptosis signaling pathways were measured. Results: Especially, ethanol extraction of C. creticus showed a remarkably therapeutic effect on cell death and cell survival. Ethanol extracts have higher polyphenolic content and are more effective than water extracts. It has been found that C. creticus is an important mitochondria-targeted antioxidant in pancreatic cancer cells. Conclusion: This research could be important to evaluate how stress physiology relates to the chemical composition and the therapeutic effectiveness of C. creticus.

Keywords

• Anti-cancer
• Cistus creticus
• Medicinal plant
• Pancreatic cancer
• Plant extracts
• Salinity stress