Cytotoxic effect of anise seed (Pimpinella anisum) extract on KB cell line - a comparative study with CISPLATIN.

Introduction: Numerous studies have stated an association of spice consumption with lowered incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma and other potentially malignant disorders of oral cavity. Anise seeds when consumed have the potential medicinal benefits including anticancer, anti-helminthic, hepato-protective and antioxidant activities. In this study we examined the anti-cancer activity of Anise seed extract (aqueous extract) on KB cancer cell lines. Aims: a) To determine the cytotoxic activity of Anise seed extract on KB cell line b) To determine the cytotoxic activity of CISPLATIN on KB cell line c) To compare the cytotoxic activity of Anise seed extract and CISPLATIN on KB cell line. Methods and Material: The study was conducted in Biogenix Research Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. The KB cancer cell lines were procured from NCCS, Pune. Anise seeds were purchased, dried and powdered using mortar and pestle. An extract was prepared in ascending concentrations and added to KB cell line in vitro under standardized environment. An extract of CISPLATIN at the same concentrations were prepared and added to KB cell line separately. Cytotoxic activity of the anise seed extract and CISPLATIN extract were assessed using MTT assay and cells were observed under an inverted phase contrast microscope, for any detectable changes in the cell morphology. Results: The results obtained showed that with ascending concentrations of anise seed extract there was significant cytotoxic changes observed with p value significant and obtained at 0.0052. Conclusion: Since anise seeds have been known to have a great potential as a chemotherapeutic agent, further focused studies of its anticancer properties and isolation of compounds from Pimpinella anisum are necessary to prove its worth in the cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]