In vitro inhibition of angiogenesis by heat and low pH stable hydroalcoholic extract of Peganum harmala seeds via inhibition of cell proliferation and suppression of VEGF secretion.

CONTEXT: Progression of cancer cells is completely dependent on its angiogenesis. Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis has shed new light on cancer treatment. As a result, anti-angiogenesis therapy represents one of the most significant advances in clinical oncology. Peganum harmala L. (Zygophyllaceae) is a native plant from the eastern Iranian region, which is used as a traditional folk medicine. Although some biological properties of this plant are determined, its effect on angiogenesis is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the anti-angiogenic effects of heat and low pH stable hydroalcoholic extract of P. harmala seeds on endothelial cells (ECs) proliferation and VEGF secretion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dried Peganum seeds were purchased from Kermanshah Traditional Bazar in 2011. Hydroalcoholic extract of dried seeds (0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 150 µg/ml) was used for in vitro evaluation of its cytotoxicity, anti-proliferative, and anti-angiogenic effects on ECs. In vitro effect of the extract on VEGF secretion was assayed using ELISA. RESULTS: Treatment with hydroalcoholic extract at seven different concentrations resulted in significant decrease of ECs proliferation and angiogenesis with an ID50 of ∼ 85 µg/ml. VEGF secretion was (inhibited) decreased by the extracts at concentrations higher than 10 µg/ml. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Herbal plant extracts still attract attention owing to their fewer side effects comparing to synthetic drug agents. Current study indicated that hydroalcoholic extract of P. harmala seeds contains a potent anti-angiogenic component, which exerts its inhibitory effect mainly through down-regulation of essential mediators such as VEGF.