Anti-proliferative and Apoptotic Potential of Ferula Asafoetida's Essential Oil Via Inhibiting NF-kB and TNF-alpha Receptors Pathway.

Background: The current investigation was conducted with the aim to elucidate and determine the anti-cancer efficacy in vitro on colon carcinoma human cell lines and to determine its probable mode of action. Methods: Anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect of various doses of essential oil from Ferula asafoetida was investigated on colon cancer cell lines i.e. CW620 and CT26. WT. The percentage cytotoxicity was determined by MTT assay. In addition, expression studies were carried out to determine the mode of action by determining the levels of NF-kB, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta and Caspases. Results: The potent anti-proliferative activity has been observed in both the cell lines. The percentage cytotoxicity is directly proportional to the increasing concentration of the essential oil. The same was also confirmed in the expression studies which shows significant upregulation of the antiapoptotic characteristics and down regulation of pro-carcinogenic factors. Conclusion: The essential oil shows potent anti-cancer activity and shows the role in gene regulation to attenuate the colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]