Colorectal cancer ranks 3rd in terms of cancer incidence. Growth and development of colon cancer cells may be affected by juice and extracts from Saposhnikovia divaricata root. The objective of the research was to analyze the effect of S. divaricata juice and extracts on the viability, membrane integrity and types of cell death of Caco-2 cells. Juice and extracts were analyzed using Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) and in respect of the presence of antioxidants, total carbohydrates, protein, fat and polyphenols. The contents of cimifugin β-D-glucopyranoside, cimifugin, 4'-O-glucopyranosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol, imperatorin and protein were the highest in juice. 50% Hydroethanolic extract had the greatest antioxidant potential, concentration of polyphenols and fat. Water extract was characterized by the highest content of glutathione. Juice and 75% hydroethanolic extract contained the most carbohydrates. After the application of juice, 50% extract and the juice fraction containing the molecules with molecular weights >50 kDa, a decrease of the cell viability was noted. Juice and this extract exhibited the protective properties in relation to the cell membranes and they induced apoptosis. The knowledge of further mechanisms of anticancer activity of the examined products will allow to consider their use as part of combination therapy.
Keywords: Saposhnikovia divaricata; apoptosis; chemical composition; colon cancer; extract; juice; viability.