Active fractions of dichloromethane extract of Artemisia turanica inhibit proliferation of HeLa and KB cell lines via apoptosis induction

Purpose: Artemisia is an important genus of Iranian flora. The current study on the aerial parts of A. turanica was conducted to determine the most potent extract and its fractions in the cytotoxic assays. Materials and Methods: The cytotoxic effects of 13 fractions (1–13) from dichloromethane extract on three cancer cell lines (KB, HeLa, and U87MG) were assessed. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of more potent cytotoxic fractions was carried out using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and different spray reagents. Results: Dichloromethane extract showed the best bioactivity against cancerous cell lines. Fractions 4, 6, 7, and 9 of this extract had potential effective components in the inhibition of the proliferation of KB cancer cells. In addition, fractions 4 and 6 were able to inhibit the growth of HeLa cell line. The active fractions decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential level, and played a critical role in caspase-3 and 9 activation and generation of reactive oxygen species. The cytotoxic activity of these fractions was found to be not significant toward U87MG cells. TLC analysis suggested the probable presence of terpenoids as the main component of most of the selected fractions. Conclusion: The species is suggested as the potential source of cytotoxic phytochemicals.