Investigation of the cytotoxic effect of Epilobium hirsutum L. extract on prostate cancer cell lines at the molecular level

In this study; it is aimed to investigate cytotoxic effect of Epilobium hirsutum L. (hairy willow-herb) plant, which is used in treatment of many prostate diseases in folk medicine and grows naturally in our country, on DU145 and PC-3 human androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines at molecular level. In this context, ʽbiological activity guided fractionationʼ approach was taken as basis in preparation of raw extracts and fractions. From the above-ground parts of plant, A (n-hexane), B (dichloromethane), C (100% methanol), D (80% methanol) and E (water) by maceration; F (n-hexane) by Soxhlet extraction; G (80% methanol) and H (80% methanol) by maceration and back-cooler after Soxhlet extraction; K (water) extracts were obtained by infusion. Fractionation was made from active extract. Cytotoxicity of extracts and fractions were screened by SRB and XTT cell viability tests. The mode of death caused by cytotoxic extract/fraction doses was analyzed by M30 ELISA and double-staining (Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide). Gene and protein expressions involved in cell death pathways were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. According to findings; E1 (chloroform), E2 (ethylacetate), E3 (n-butanol) and E4 (water) fractions prepared from this extract were found to have strongest cytotoxic effect. This result was explained by their synergistic effect when active ingredients in extract were present together. In combination with cytotoxic (>IC50) and non-cytotoxic (Keyword: Epilobium hirsutum = Epilobium hirsutum