Comparison of Apoptotic Effects of ‎Citrus Leaves Hydroalcoholic Extracts ‎on Proliferation and Viability of A549 ‎Cancer Cells

Lung cancer is one the most common cancer in the world and Iran that lead to many deaths.  Despite abundant researches, an appropriate cure has not been yet found for cancer. Citrus extract contains abundant anti-oxidative compounds. In this research evaluated and compared the toxic effect of Citrus leaves hydroalcoholic extracts on the proliferation and viability of A459 cancer cells. Citrus leaves extracts were prepared by soxhlet set. A549 cells were proliferated and treated with 0.05-10 mg/ml concentrations of extracts for 72h. Cell viability and morphology were evaluated by MTT assay and acridine orange staining on certain times after treatment. Comparison of the cell viability percent in experimental groups indicated that IC50 were 2, 6, and 8 respectively for Citrus limon, Citrus reticulata, and Citrus aurantium leaves extract (P<0.05). Also, number of apoptotic cells was significantly (P<0.05) more in C.lemon group than C. reticulata and C. aurantium group and indeed, number of apoptotic cells were significantly (P<0.05) more in C. reticulata group than C. aurantium group. Citrus leaves hydroalcoholic extract can induce apoptosis in A549 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner.