Anti-Tumorigenic Effects of Sea Buckthorn Root Extracts on Head and Neck Cancer Cells – A Systematic Analysis

Chemotherapy is a prevalent treatment method for cancer often associated with strong side-effects. To reduce these, research on extracts of medicinal plants and their active ingredients is conducted. Although sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a well-established medicinal plant, little is known about the chemical components responsible for its putative anticancer activity. This study focuses on both, the chemical and medical analyses of methanolic sea buckthorn root extracts. Cell viability measurements were performed on head and neck cancer cell lines, as well as non-tumorigenic control cells. Microwave and classical extractions under reflux were used to prepare methanolic extracts. LC/MS and NMR were used to determine structures of molecules contained within these extracts. The aqueous phase of one sea buckthorn root extract reduced the viability of cancer cells, whereas the viability of non-tumorigenic control cells remained unaltered. The cell cycle phases of cancer cells treated with the extract have shifted in comparison to control treatment. After 24 h the number of cells in the proliferative phases had increased. Two fractions of the extract that evoked alterations were identified. After 48 h treatment one of the fractions showed a higher number of apoptotic cells than the control. LC/MS and NMR analyses were conducted to attempt to identify the active compounds. We propose that the bioactivity of the extract is caused by a mixture of 2’-hydroxyflavone isomers.