Cytotoxic Activities of Phytochemical Components from Ethanol Extract of Ajwa Date on Human Hepatoma Cancer Cells in Vitro

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary liver cancer that occurs and develops in the liver and is among the top frequent cancer-related death worldwide. Currently, clinical treatment options can control the HCC cancer, but, in some cases, it develops resistance to standard therapies and does not respond to these treatment options. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is used in traditional and alternative therapies for its various health benefits. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the anticancer and cytotoxic effects of Ajwa date ethanol extract (ADX) on hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cells. Materials and Methods: The polyphenolic constituents of ADX were analysed using HPLC to identify the major polyphenols in the extract. The cell proliferation and viability percentages were examined through Trypan blue dye and MTT assay. Additionally, DNA fragmentation and mRNA expression level of apoptotic genes were applied to investigate the cell death mechanism. Results: The ADX induced significant cytotoxic effects against hepatocarcinoma cells in vitro. It was reduced the viability and proliferation in HepG2 cells treated with ADX at various concentrations for different exposure times comparing to untreated cells. Furthermore, the microscopic investigation showed apparent changes in HepG2 treated cells and the results of DNA fragmentation showed an increase in the percentage of fragmented DNA. Moreover, the expression of p53 and Bax genes was up regulated, while Bcl-2 gene expression was down regulated, in HepG2 cells treated with ADX. Conclusion: The ADX may be a promising natural anticancer agent and can be developed as a new anticancer therapy tool.