Elucidation of the Anti-inflammatory, Anti-proliferative and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition Inhibiting Potentials of Cichorium intybus Extract on Human Cancer Cell Line(s)

Background: Cichorium intybus L. is cultivated in various temperate regions of the world for use of its different parts (mostly roots/seeds) as medicines or food. However, the anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)-inhibiting potential of C. intybus extracts have not been extensively studied at molecular level using suitable human cancer cell-line models. Objectives: Elucidation of the anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and EMT inhibiting potential of C. intybus extract using human cancer cell-line models. Materials and Methods: We prepared Methanolic Extract (MKE) of C. intybus leaves and studied its anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-EMT activities in THP-1 and U87MG cell lines through real time expression analysis and various functional assays including cell viability, cytotoxicity, colony forming and wound healing assays. Results: MKE significantly reduced the LPS-induced transcription of proinflammatory cytokines; TNF-α, and IL-6 from macrophage turned THP-1 cells. Also, expression of TGF-β gene was significantly downregulated by MKE in both THP-1 macrophages and U87MG cells. In U87MG glioma cells, MKE significantly downregulated the expressions of proliferation (Ki67, and PCNA), and EMT markers (LIX1, VIM, ZEB1, SNAIL, and SLUG), which are associated with aggressiveness, histological grade and poor prognosis in glioma. Conclusion: It should be emphasized that this is the first study done on examining the potential of C. intybus anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and anti-EMT activities against the THP-1 macrophages and U87MG glioblastoma cells. Our findings strongly suggest C. intybus leaves as an efficient source of pharmaceutical formulations that can contribute to the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer and could add in improving human health significantly.