Anti-tumor activity of different effective fractions of safflower extract in vitro

OBJECTIVE: To find anti-tumor effective fractions of Carthamus tinctorius,and evaluate the cytotoxic activity of its different effective fractions observed. METHODS:Cytotoxicity of six samples of safflower extract isolated by macroporous resin were evaluated in vitro against K562(human leukemia cancer),SMMC7721(human liver cancer),HeLa(human cervical cancer),H1299 and A549(human lung cancer) by CCK-8 assay. Concentration-effect curves and IC values were calculated. RESULTS:Safflower samples showed better cytotoxicity against H1299 and A54950with IC values of 16.24 to 189.86 μg/mL,and moderate cytotoxic activity or no activity against K562,SMMC7721 and50HeLa. Insoluble fractions of safflower extract had better cytotoxic activity than water-soluble fractions. 95% alcohol elution fraction of the safflower extract had obvious cytotoxicity against five kinds of tumor cell lines with IC values of 16.24 to5066.51 μg/mL. CONCLUSION:Safflower extract could inhibit a variety of cancer cells,especially human lung cancer cell. The effective fraction may be the fat soluble components.