Effect of Silibinin on the Induction of Apoptosis and the Inhibition of Cell Growth on the MCF-7 Cell Line

Abstract

Given the prevalence of breast cancer, the mortality of patients and the public’s convenient access to the herbal extract of milk thistle, we decided to examine the effectiveness of this plant’s components on the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Silibinin is a naturally occurring flavonoid antioxidant found in the milk thistle. Recently, it has demonstrated potent, anti-proliferative effects against various malignant cell lines. In the present study, MCF-7 cells were incubated and treated with various concentrations of silibinin repeatedly. The degree of cell cytotoxicity depended on the dose of the milk thistle’s extract and also on the duration of its exposure, imparting an inhibitory effect on the viability of metastatic MCF-7 cells. Finally, the expression of apoptotic genes (BCL-2 and BAX) was assessed by Real time PCR. Cell viability and growth of MCF-7 cell lines were inhibited by silibinin. The results of the present study confirm the efficacy of the herbal supplement against breast cancer. Due to the nature of the product, its low cost and potential accessibility to the public, adding this herbal supplement to the human food diet may be effective in preventing and treating breast cancer.