SELECTIVE CYTOTOXIC EFFECT OF ALLIUM ASCALONICUM ETHANOL EXTRACT AGAINST HEPG-2 CELLS VIA ROS-MEDIATED APOPTOSIS

Abstract

Cancer remains a leading global health concern, necessitating the search for effective and less toxic therapeutic agents from natural sources. This study investigates the anticancer potential of ethanol extract of Allium ascalonicum (shallot) against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) cells, with Vero cells used as a normal control. The cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the MTT assay, while DAPI and DCFDA staining were employed to detect apoptotic nuclear changes and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, respectively. The extract demonstrated significant, dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HepG-2 cells, with an IC50 value of 80 μg/mL, and showed minimal toxicity in Vero cells, indicating selectivity. DAPI staining revealed characteristic apoptotic nuclear condensation, and DCFDA results confirmed enhanced ROS production in treated cancer cells. These results suggest that Allium ascalonicum ethanol extract induces ROS-mediated apoptosis and may serve as a promising, selective anticancer agent for liver cancer therapy.