Evaluation of Anti-Cancer Activity of Gryllus bimaculatus Water Extract on Non-Small Cancer Lung Cell via Apoptosis

Abstract

Gryllus bimaculatus, traditionally used in oriental medicine, demonstrates functional and pharmacological potential through demonstrating immunomodulatory, hepato-protective properties, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we examined the effect of G. bimaculatus on cell proliferation and apoptosis in lung cancer cells. This is the first study to examine the anti-cancer effects of G. bimaculatus extracts on non-small cell lung cancer. Frozen G. bimaculatus was obtained, homogenized, and dissolved in distilled water. Using a freeze dryer, samples were concentrated until almost all the water was removed, and extracts were diluted in solutions of phosphate buffered saline. Anti-cancer effects of extracts on human non-small cancer lung cells were estimated based on cell cytotoxicity, western blot, and flow cytometry, using lipopolysaccharides as a positive control. H460 and A549 human non-small cell cancer lung cells were treated with G. bimaculatus water extracts of various concentrations, with lipopolysaccharide used as a positive control. The results showed that treatment with the extract for 24 or 48 h inhibited H460 proliferation, demonstrated by reduced cell numbers with morphological changes. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that the extracts induced cell death on H460. However, extracts did not show cytotoxic effects on A549 cells. In conclusion, the extract induced apoptosis of lung cancer cells, possibly via caspase, Bcl-2 family signaling pathways. Therefore, G. bimaculatus water extracts are safe and efficient natural materials that may have great potential in the treatment of lung cancer.