Investigation of Anticancer Potential of Prophet's Broom (Artemisia annua) in Tokat Populations

Abstract

In this study, the anticancer effects of the extracts prepared with various solvents (ethanol, methanol, n-hexane, and water) of different parts (leaf, flower, and root) of Cornflower Broom (Artemisia annua L.) collected from the Tokat region were investigated. The extracts' total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using spectrophotometric techniques, while artemisinin and other bioactive compounds were analyzed via HPLC. The cytotoxic effects of the extracts on human prostate cancer (DU145, PC-3), colon cancer (HCT116), and lung cancer (A549) cell lines were assessed through MTT and CCK-8 assays. Apoptotic activity, cell cycle progression, ROS production, and DNA damage were also investigated. The results showed that ethanol extracts had the highest artemisinin content (0.76-0.98%) and the most potent anticancer activity. The extracts prepared from leaf samples showed a significant cytotoxic effect, especially in PC-3 and HCT116 cell lines (IC₅₀: 28.4-42.7 µg/mL), and increased apoptosis by 54-67% compared to the control. Our study showed that A. annua, which grows in the Tokat region, has significant anticancer potential thanks to its bioactive components, especially artemisinin. This study shows the possible use of A. annua in cancer treatment and sheds light on evaluating Turkey's natural resources that can contribute to Turkey's bioeconomy.