Aim of study: to evaluate the possible anticancer potential of Matrine, one of the main active components extracted from dry roots of Sophora flavescens Ait (Leguminosae), on human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma cell line (Hep-2).
Material and methods: Prepared (Hep-2) cell line was treated with different concentrations of Matrine for 48 hours. The effect of Matrine on cell line was investigated using MTT assay, cytological examination and nuclear morphometric analysis of treated cells to explore the effect of the drug on cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis. The results were analyzed statistically. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: MTT assay showed that the proliferation of Matrine treated cells (in relation to control cells) decreased in a dose dependent manner. Morphometric analysis showed a decrease in nuclear area factor (NAF), which is an indicator of apoptosis, as concentrations increased. The results were statistically significant.
Conclusion: Matrine has a cytotoxic effect on Hep-2 cell line through induction of apoptosis.