Effect of amygdalin on oral cancer cell line: An in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Recently, studies have concentrated on complementary medicine in treating a large number of diseases, including cancer. Unfortunately, many of these treatment methods do not provide a permanent solution, and even if they do, many do not have a scientific corroboration. A shift toward alternative medicine and natural methods is being preferred to reduce if not counter the toxic effects of the drugs that are used to treat such diseases. Studies have shown that amygdalin is a natural plant product to have an anticarcinogenic effect on many types of cancers. However, the effect of amygdalin on oral cancers has not been studied, and hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the anticarcinogenic effect of amygdalin extracted from apricots and almonds on human oral cancer cell lines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral cancer cell lines (KB cell line) were used in the present study. Ethanolic extracts of apricots and almonds were prepared using Soxhlet extraction method. The antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity on KB cell line was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-YL)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. RESULTS: Both the extracts exhibited cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity on KB cell lines. While almonds exhibited maximum efficacy at 50 μg/mL, apricots extract required 100 μg/mL concentrations. CONCLUSION: Ethanolic extracts of amygdalin from almonds and apricots were effective as an antiproliferative agent which caused apoptosis in oral cancer cell line.