The influence of extracts from Potentilla species on normal human colon cells

The biological activity of extracts obtained from aerial parts of Potentilla species: P. erecta (L.) Rauschel, P. anserina L., P. argentea L., P. rupestris L., P. grandiflora L. was analyzed. Extracts were tested using MTT, NR and DPPH tests on two human normal cell lines: CCD 841 CoTr and CCD-18Co. Fluorescence staining of the cellular cytoskeleton after rhodamine-phalloidyne addition and IL-6, IL-10 (ELISA) in culture supernatants after 24h of incubation with Potentilla extracts and nitric oxide (NO) analysis with a Griess method were performed. Extracts were tested at the range of 25–225µg/mL concentrations while to the ELISA two non-toxic doses (15 and 30µg/mL) were chosen. We found that all extracts stimulated metabolism of epithelial cells while myofibroblasts' mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity was stimulated at concentrations higher than 125µg/mL. The exception was P. grandiflora which activated succinyl dehydrogenase just at low extract dose (25µg/mL). Extracts from P. erecta and P. argentea had no toxic effect on colon epithelial cells while other extracts significantly decreased viability of cells even when added at 25µg/mL concentration. Only P. grandiflora and P. rupestris significantly decreased viability of myofibroblasts. All extracts showed free radical scavenging effect in a concentration dependent manner. Potentilla extracts inhibited IL-6 and IL-10 production by myofibroblasts while in epithelial cells slightly induced or had no effect on the cytokine level. Potentilla extracts influenced F-actin filament composition and changed the cellular cytoskeleton and morphology of cells. Modulation of NO production after plant extracts addition has also been observed.

Keywords: Potentilla, cytotoxicity, normal human colon cells