Cytotoxic effects of aqueous extracts of urtica urens on most common cancer types in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background and Objective: The use of traditional medicinal plants in the treatment of cancer has increased worldwide. The aim of the study is to illustrate the cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of dried and freeze-dried Urtica urens on MCF-7, HCT-116 and A549 cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods: The MTT assay was used to assess the cell viability of three cancer cell lines in comparison to normal human HSF cells. Results: Aqueous extracts of both dried and freeze-dried Urtica urens leaves, either at 5 or 10 µg mLG-1, have significantly reduced the cell viability of all cancer cell lines (MCF-7, HCT-116 and A549) with no harmful effect on normal HSF cells. Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of Urtica urens leaves, under certain concentrations and preparation conditions have significant cytotoxic effect on different types of cancer cell lines and thus, might be a promising natural anticancer agent.