Determination of Cytotoxic and Anticandidal Activities of Three Verbascum L. Species from Turkey: V-cheiranthifolium Boiss. var. asperulum (Boiss.) Murb. Monorg., V-pycnostachyum Boiss. & Heldr and V-orgyale Boiss. & Heldr

Abstract

Purpose of this study is to determine of cytotoxic and anticandidal activities of Verbascum cheiranthifolium Boiss. var. asperulum (Boiss.) Murb. Monorg., Verbascum pynostachyum Boiss. & Heldr and Verbascum orgyale Boiss. & Heldr belonging to Verbascum genus growing in Turkey. The cytotoxic effects of methanolic extract of Verbascum cheiranthifolium var. asperulum, V. pycnostachyum and V. orgyale species on the cervical (HeLa) and ovarian cancer (Skov-3) cells were investigated using colorimetric assay. The results indicated that methanolic-extract of V. pycnostachyum had a promising toxic effect on both cell lines as compared to the other species. Furthermore, this effect was more significant on Skov-3 cells rather than HeLa cells. Anticandidal effects of the methanolic extracts were evaluated in comparison with standard antifungal agents according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) reference methods, for the first time here. V. pynostactum and V. orygale extracts were demonstrated stronger inhibitory effects than the V. cheriantifolium var. asperulum. Remarkably, Candida krusei was inhibited by V. pycnostachyum extract at the concentration of the 62.5 mu g/mL.