Human Cervical Adenocarcinoma Cells Research Articles

Base Induced Condensation of Malononitrile with Erlenmeyer Azlactones: An Unexpected Synthesis of Multi‐Substituted Δ2‐Pyrrolines and Their Cytotoxicity

An efficient, metal free approach to synthesize multi-substituted Δ2 -pyrroline derivatives by mild base catalyzed cyclocondensation of malononitrile with Erlenmeyer azlactones via 1,2 addition was developed. The modularity of this reaction was used to assemble a range of poly-substituted pyrrolines. Further, synthesized products were screened for cytotoxic properties on different cancer cell lines such as A549 (Human lung adenocarcinoma cells), HeLa (Human cervical adenocarcinoma cells), Jurkat (Human chronic myeloid leukemia cells) and K562 (Human leukemic T cell Lymphoblast cells). Among the synthesized library of compounds, 6f and 6q displayed potent cytotoxic activity.

Selective Control of Cell Activity with Hydrophilic Polymer-Covered Cationic Nanoparticles.

Cationic polymers exhibit high cytotoxicity via strong interaction with cell membranes. To reduce cell membrane damage, a hydrophilic polymer is introduced to the cationic nanoparticle surface. The hydrophilic polymer coating of cationic nanoparticles resulted in a nearly neutral nanoparticle. These particles are applied to mouse fibroblast (3T3) and human cervical adenocarcinoma (Hela) cells. Interestingly, nanoparticles with a long cationic segment decrease cell activity regardless of cell type, while those with a short segment only affect 3T3 cell activity at lower concentrations less than 500 µg mL-1 . Most nanoparticles are located inside 3T3 cells but on the cell membrane of Hela cells. The short cationic nanoparticle shows negligible cell membrane damage despite its high accumulation on Hela cell membranes. Cell activity changed by hydrophilic polymer-coated cationic nanoparticles is caused by incorporated nanoparticle accumulation in the cells, not cell membrane damage. To suppress the cytotoxicity from the cationic polymer, cationic nanoparticle needs to completely cover with hydrophilic polymer so as not to exhibit the cationic effect and applies to cell with low concentrations to reduce the nonselective cytotoxicity from the cationic polymer.

EVALUATION OF THE ANTICANCER PROPERTIES OF TURMESAC® IN HUMAN CERVICAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Objective: In the current study, an extract of turmeric rhizome (Turmesac®) was evaluated for possible anticancer activity in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells.
 Methods: Turmesac®’s ability to elicit cytotoxicity in cancer cells was evaluated by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay (MTT) assay, where the IC50 value was determined. Apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry post-Turmesac® IC50 value treatment for 24 h.
 Results: The determined IC50 value of Turmesac® in HeLa cells was 115.12 μg/ml. This concentration was able to induce apoptosis 2 times greater than the apoptotic standard, camptothecin, treated cells. Cell cycle arrest was observed at the G0/G1 and S phases in Turmesac® treated HeLa cells.
 Conclusion: Turmesac® shows the potential of being a promising anticancer agent that may be incorporated into chemotherapies, but further study is required to elucidate the exact mechanisms involved with longer treatment duration, as would be the case in clinical trial phases.

S-seco-porphyrazine as a new member of the seco-porphyrazine family - Synthesis, characterization and photocytotoxicity against cancer cells.

An important subgroup within the porphyrazine (Pz) family constitutes seco-porphyrazines, in the chemical structure of which one pyrrole unit is opened in the oxidative process. So far, there are only limited data on N-seco- and C-seco-Pzs. Here, the synthesis of a novel member of the Pzs seco-family, represented by an S-seco-tribenzoporphyrazine analogue, 22,23-bis(4-(3,5-dibutoxycarbonylphenoxy)butylsulfanyl)tribenzo[b,g,l]-22,23-dioxo-22,23-seco-porphyrazinato magnesium(II), is reported, with moderate 34% yield. The new derivative was characterized using NMR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. In the photochemical study performed following the indirect chemical method with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, S-seco-Pz revealed a high singlet oxygen quantum yield of 0.27 in DMF. Potential photocytotoxicity of S-seco-Pz was assessed in vitro on three cancer cell lines - two oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines derived from the tongue (CAL 27, HSC-3) and human cervical epithelial adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa). In the biological study, the macrocycle was tested in its free form and after loading into liposomes. It is worth noting that S-seco-Pz was found to be non-toxic in the dark, with cell viability levels over 80%. The photocytotoxic IC50 values for free S-seco-Pz were 0.61, 0.18, and 4.1µM for CAL 27, HSC-3 and HeLa cells, respectively. Four different liposomal compositions were analyzed, and the cationic liposomes revealed the highest photokilling efficacy, with the IC50 values for CAL 27, HSC-3, and HeLa cells at 0.24, 0.25, and 0.31µM, respectively. The results of the photocytotoxicity study indicate that the new S-seco-tribenzoporphyrazine can be considered as a potential photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy of cancer, along with the developed cationic liposomal nanocarrier.

Cytotoxic and Antiradical Activities of Extracts of Rhizopora apiculata (L)

The petroleum ether and methanol crude extracts of Rhizopora apiculata (L) (Rhizoporaceae) were screened for cytotoxicity by MTT bioassay and antioxidant activity using three different methods. The active constituents of the plant Rhizopora apiculata (L) were extracted using petroleum ether and methanol. Both extracts were tested for cytotoxicity by MTT assay at a concentration range of 18.75, 37.5, 100, 150 and 300μg/ml. The percentage cell viability shown in Pet ether extract for human cervical adenocarcinoma cell lines (HeLa), human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG 63) and Breast adenocarcinoma (MC 67) were in the range of 102-91%, 100-84% and 101-78% respectively shows that pet ether extract does not have considerable cytotoxic activity. On the other hand, Petroleum ether and methanol crude extracts of Rhizopora apiculata (L) showed mild antioxidant activity with compared to ascorbic acid.

Myrciaria tenella (DC.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) Leaves as a Source of Antioxidant Compounds.

Myrciaria species are widely studied to identify their chemical composition and evaluate their biological activity. Since evidence supporting the potential antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Myrciaria tenella is lacking, the aim of this work was to evaluate these activities in six different leaf extracts: hexane (CHE), chloroform (CCE), ethanolic (CEE), methanolic (CME), aqueous final (CFAE), and only aqueous (CAE). The presence of phenolic compounds, tannin, saponin, and ursolic acid was determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC). CEE, CME, and CFAE showed in vitro antioxidant activity at the initiation, propagation, and termination stages of oxidative damage. Moreover, no toxicity was observed in the 3T3 non-cancerous cell line. On the other hand, all extracts promoted cell death in the tumor cell lines human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa) and human stomach gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Based on these results, the effect of CEE on the AGS cell line was analyzed using flow cytometry, and necrosis and late apoptosis were observed. Finally, the Caenorhabditis elegans model showed that CEE was able to reduce the basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis showed rutin as the major compound in CEE. Therefore, Myrciaria tenella fresh leaves may be potential sources of molecules possessing antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

Integration of dry-column flash chromatography with NMR and FTIR metabolomics to reveal cytotoxic metabolites from Amphoricarpos autariatus

Metabolomics generate a profile of small molecules from plant extracts, which could be directly responsible for bioactivity effects. Using dry-column flash chromatography enabled a rapid and inexpensive method for the very efficient separation of plant extract with a high resolution. This separation method coupled to NMR and FTIR-based metabolomics is applied to identify bioactive natural products. OPLS multivariate analysis method, was used for correlation the chemical composition of the plant extracts, Amphoricarpos autariatus, with the results of cytotoxic activity against Human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa) and epithelial lung cancer cell line (A549). In this way, the highest contribution to the cytotoxic activity was recorded for the guaianolide sesquiterpene lactones named amphoricarpolides. The compounds indicated as bioactive after metabolomics analysis were tested, and their cytotoxic activity were confirmed.

The cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity analysis of the isolated constituents and extracts from endemic Centaurea derderiifolia

It is aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of the various extracts from the leaf and seed of Centaurea derderiifolia on the growth human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells by xCELLigence method and to isolate the cytotoxic constituents. The results showed that subfractions 2 and 3 exhibited remarkable inhibitory effect against HeLa (IC50 < 10 µg/mL). The chloroform extract of leaf displayed the highest cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells (IC50 < 50 µg/mL) and was therefore subjected to a bioassay-guided multistep separation procedure. The pure compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses, including 1 D-, 2 D-NMR. In addition to cytotoxic effects of the isolated constituents, their antioxidant activities were also studied. On the other hand, subfraction 4 exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 0.76 ± 0.03 mg/mL). β-sitosterol-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside was isolated for the first time from this plant and three compounds from the bioactive subfractions were identified.

Cross-linking of hyaluronic acid by curcumin analogue to construct nanomicelles for delivering anticancer drug

In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA) and curcumin (CCM) are used as functional molecular skeletons to prepare a reticular polymer HA-CCM* via the free radical polymerization reaction. The results showed that HA-CCM* formed nanomicelles through self-assembly in the aqueous medium. These nanomicelles were seen as star-shaped micelles and the particle diameter distribution range of 220–280 nm, which are used to carry doxorubicin (DOX) with a high drug loading and an entrapment efficiency. The experiment of drug release in vitro indicated that HA-CCM* micelles showed significant acid sensitivity. The anticancer activity of DOX-loaded by HA-CCM* micelles (HA-CCM* + DOX) was quantified by MTT assay, indicating that the cytotoxicity of HA-CCM* + DOX to human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and human renal cell adenocarcinoma cell line (786-O) was significantly improved and to normal human renal epithelial cell line (293A) was obviously reduced. DOX from HA-CCM* + DOX micelles can enter into the cells and resulted in cell death. The multifunctional HA-CCM* micelles have good prospects in the field of drug delivery. Overall, these results confirmed the potential of these nanomicelles for carrying DOX in the improved cancer chemotherapy.

Anti-Cancer Activity of Novel Dihydrotestosterone-Derived Ring A-Condensed Pyrazoles on Androgen Non-Responsive Prostate Cancer Cell Lines.

Regioselective synthesis of novel ring A-fused arylpyrazoles of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was carried out in two steps under facile reaction conditions. Aldol condensation of DHT with acetaldehyde afforded a 2-ethylidene derivative regio- and stereo-selectively, which was reacted with different arylhydrazines in the presence of iodine via microwave-assisted oxidative cyclization reactions. The 17-keto analogs of steroidal pyrazoles were also synthesized by simple oxidation in order to enlarge the compound library available for pharmacological studies and to obtain structure–activity relationship. The antiproliferative activities of the structurally related heteroaromatic compounds were tested in vitro on human cervical and breast adenocarcinoma cell lines (HeLa, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and on two androgen-independent malignant prostate carcinoma cell lines (PC-3 and DU 145). Based on primary cytotoxicity screens and IC50 assessment, a structure-function relationship was identified, as derivatives carrying a hydroxyl group on C-17 exhibit stronger activity compared to the 17-one counterparts. Cancer cell selectivity of the derivatives was also determined using non-cancerous MRC-5 cells. Furthermore, the proapoptotic effects of some selected derivatives were verified on androgen therapy refractive p53-deficient PC-3 cells. The present study concludes that novel DHT-derived arylpyrazoles exert cancer cell specific antiproliferative activity and activate apoptosis in PC-3 cells.

Structural analysis and biological functionalities of iron(III)- and manganese(III)-thiosemicarbazone complexes: in vitro anti-proliferative activity on human cancer cells, DNA binding and cleavage studies.

One iron(III) and two manganese(III) complexes based on thiosemicarbazone were synthesized and characterized using analytical and spectroscopic data. The crystallographic analysis showed the square pyramid structures of the complexes. Electronic spectra analysis was performed to determine the nature of the interaction between the complexes and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). DNA cleavage activities of the complexes were examined by gel electrophoresis (pBR322 DNA). The cytotoxicity of the complexes was determined against human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (HT-29) cell lines by MTT assay. The results indicated that complex Fe1 is bound to CT-DNA via the intercalation mode, while complexes Mn1 and Mn2 are bound to CT-DNA via groove binding and/or electrostatic interactions rather than the intercalation mode. In addition, they showed good binding activity, which followed the order of Fe1 > Mn2 > Mn1. Complexes were found to promote the cleavage of DNA from supercoiled form (SC, Form I) to nicked circular form (NC, Form II) without concurrent formation of Form III, revealing the single-strand DNA cleavage. No significant cleavage was found in the presence of Mn1 and Mn2; however, it was observed at 2000 and 3000µM concentrations of Fe1. The ability of Fe1 to cleave DNA was greater than that of other complexes and these results are in conformity with their DNA-binding affinities. Cytotoxicity determination tests revealed that the complex Fe1 on HeLa and HT-29 cells exhibited a higher anti-proliferative effect than Mn1 and Mn2 (Fe1 > Mn2 > Mn1). These studies suggested that the complex Fe1 could be a good candidate as a chemotherapeutic drug targeting DNA.

Induction of apoptosis by piperine in human cervical adenocarcinoma via ROS mediated mitochondrial pathway and caspase-3 activation.

Piperine (1-piperoylpeperdine), a nitrogenous pungent substance, is present in the fruits of black pepper (Piper nigrum Linn.) and long pepper (Piper longum Linn.). It possesses several pharmacological properties and has been extensively explored for its anti-cancerous activities. The mechanism underlying its anti-cancer potential in human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells is not well interpreted. The anti-proliferative effect and the mode of action of piperine were investigated through some potent markers of apoptosis viz.reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cellular apoptosis and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). DNA fragmentation, cell cycle kinetics, caspase-3 activity and cell migration assays were also conducted to observe the efficacy of piperine against HeLa cells. The results showed that piperine exposure induces apoptosis significantly in a dose-dependent manner and inhibits the growth of HeLa cells with an increase in ROS generation, nuclear condensation and delayed wound healing. In addition, piperine also encourages cell death by the loss of MMP, DNA fragmentation and the activation of caspase-3. Growth inhibition of HeLa cells was found to be associated with G2/M phase arrest and sub-G1 accumulation. The present study provides useful insight into the apoptotic potential of piperine and further in vivo and clinical studies will be needed for its validation and in the finding of more effective and least toxic regimens against cervical cancer.

Antiproliferative xylan from corn cobs induces apoptosis in tumor cells

Xylan is one of the most abundant hemicellulose constituents in the plant kingdom. We extracted xylan from corn cobs (XCC) using ultrasound. The structure of XCC was determined by NMR analysis, which revealed a composition of xylose:glucose:arabinose:galactose:mannose:glucuronic acid in a molar percentage ratio of 48:21:16:10:2.5:2.5. XCC induced the proliferation of murine macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) and inhibited the proliferation of human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549) by 20% and human cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) by 60%. Several cell death-associated morphological changes were observed after the exposure of HeLa cells to XCC for 24 h. In addition, by using fluorescent probes, we observed a larger number of irregular and pyknotic nuclei with condensed chromatin bodies (nuclear condensation). FACS analysis showed an increase in the number of annexin V-positive and propidium iodide (PI)-positive cells (37.0%) in the presence of XCC compared with that of the negative control cells (5.0%). XCC also increased the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 (3.5:1) and the levels of cytochrome c, caspase 3, and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in treated cells. Therefore, the results demonstrated the antiproliferative potential of XCC, which induced apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Novel 2-(2,5-methoxy-phenyl) imidazo [4,5-f]-[1, 10] phenanthrolin platinum(II) complex display high anticancer activity via dysfunction of mitochondrial signaling pathway

A novel Pt(II) complex of [PtII(MPP)(OPD)]Cl⋅H2O (MPP-Pt) (OPD = o-phenylenediamine) with 2-(2,5-methoxy-phenyl) imidazo [4,5-f]-[1, 10] phenanthrolin (H-MPP) was synthesized and fully characterized. In MPP-Pt complex, the Pt(II) ion adopts a four-coordinated square planar geometry. MPP-Pt exhibited selective cytotoxicity against human carcinoma (A549), hepatoblastoma (Hep-G2), ovarian (SK-OV-3), cervical (HeLa) and gastric adenocarcinoma (MGC80–3) cell lines with IC50 values in the micromolar range (0.31–9.48 μM), but low cytotoxicity toward HL-7702 normal cells. Various experiments showed that MPP-Pt complex caused cell apoptosis via mitochondrial dysfunction in HeLa cells, as shown by the up-regulation expression of p27, apaf-1, p21, cytochrome c (cyc c) and p53 levels, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the down-regulation expression of bcl-2 protein level.

Design and Application of Cisplatin-Loaded Magnetic Nanoparticle Clusters for Smart Chemotherapy.

One of the major challenges of drug delivery is the development of suitable carriers for therapeutic molecules. In this work, a novel nanoformulation based on superparamagnetic nanoclusters [magnetic nanocrystal clusters (MNCs)] is presented. In order to control the size of the nanoclusters and the density of magnetic cores, several parameters were evaluated and tuned. Then, MNCs were functionalized with a polydopamine layer (MNC@PDO) to improve their stability in aqueous solution, to increase density of functional groups and to obtain a nanosystem suitable for drug-controlled release. Finally, cisplatin was grafted on the surface of MNC@PDO to exploit the system as a magnetic field-guided anticancer delivery system. The biocompatibility of MNC@PDO and the cytotoxic effects of MNC@PDO-cisplatin complex were determined against human cervical cancer (HeLa) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells. In vitro studies demonstrated that the MNC@PDO-cisplatin complexes inhibited the cellular proliferation by a dose-dependent effect. Therefore, by applying an external magnetic field, the released drug exerted its effect on a specific target area. In summary, the MNC@PDO nanosystem has a great potential to be used in targeted nanomedicine for the delivery of other drugs or biofunctional molecules.

Synthesis of Novel Benzothiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridimidin‐4‐ones with Potential Cytotoxic and Pro‐Apoptotic Potential

AbstractThe combination of cyclocondensation with palladium catalysed cross‐coupling reactions, afforded a variety of 8‐functionalized benzothiazolo[3,2‐a]pyridimidin‐4‐ones in good to excellent yields. The anti‐proliferative potential of the synthetic compounds was evaluated in human cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa) and hamster normal fibroblasts (BHK‐21). Three of the test derivatives exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity in HeLa cells with the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.93, 1.55 and 1.84 μM, respectively. Moreover, their anti‐proliferative effect was three times less strong in normal fibroblasts, asserting their possible anti‐cancer potential.

Biogenic pentagonal silver nanoparticles for safer and more effective antibacterial therapeutics.

BackgroundBiological synthesis of nanomaterials possesses unprecedented potential in the production of nanomaterials due to their ability to produce nanomaterials with improved biocompatibility in addition to eco-friendly synthetic procedures.MethodsThis article reports the isolation of an air-borne fungus from the campus of Integral University, Lucknow, with an exceptional ability to withstand very high concentrations of silver salt. The fungus was found to produce pentagonal silver nanoparticles (AgPgNps) when silver ions were reduced from silver nitrate. Molecular analysis and biochemical characterization techniques based on 18-seconds rRNA identified the fungus to belong to the Aspergillus sp. with the NCBI accession no KF913249. Material characterization techniques including ultraviolet (UV)–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential analysis were used to satisfactorily characterize the as-synthesized AgPgNps.ResultsThe AgPgNps synthesized by the fungus Aspergillus sp. exhibit an absorption that is maximum centered at about 416 nm, with a standard particle size of 23.22±2 nm. These AgPgNps exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against an array of bacterial pathogens with remarkable minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) values: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) – 9.230 µg/mL, Bacillus sp. (ATCC 14593) – 12.781 µg/mL, Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) – 5.063 µg/mL, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 13883) – 5.426 µg/mL. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis of biosynthesized AgPgNps showed a dose–response activity against human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) and adenocarcinoma cells (A549) with MIC50 values of 0.038 µg/mL and 0.044 µg/mL, respectively.ConclusionThese findings are very crucial to evaluate the biosynthetic process for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) with unique properties. These NPs may find potential applications in sensing, medicine, and antimicrobial and anticancer therapies.

Using Coherent Spectroscopy for Diagnosing Cancer at Its Early Stages

A new automated way of monitoring oncological diseases that combines forced luminescence and stimulated Brillouin scattering is proposed. Characteristics are studied of the transmission spectra of human colorectal (HT-29) and human cervical (HeLa) adenocarcinoma cells and tumor markers for PCR in water at the amounts needed for initial identification with 95% probability. The results are used to create a model of a device for monitoring oncology at its early stages.

Isolation of phytoconstituents and evaluation of biological potentials of Berberis hispanica from Algeria

The aim of this study was to isolate the phytoconstituents and evaluate the biological activities of Berberis hispanica. Three phenolic compounds (tamarixetin, caffeic acid and rutin) were isolated from B. hispanica. The structures of the pure compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic and mass-spectrometric analyses, including 1D-, 2D-NMR, and HPLC-TOF/MS. In addition, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant and anti-proliferative effects of the extracts, some fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated. The extracts of B. hispanica were evaluated against six bacterial strains and exhibited the highest activity against Klebsiella pneumonia (15 mm at 100 mg/mL). Fraction T36 (IC50&lt;5 μg/mL) from the n-butanol extract displayed higher radical scavenging activity than butylated hydroxytoluene. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their antiproliferative effects against human cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line by real time cell analyzer assay and tamarixetin exhibited the remarkable effect (IC50&lt;50 μg/mL) on HeLa cells. This study supports the documented medicinal effects of B. hispanica.&#x0D; Video Clip of Methodology:&#x0D; Antiproliferative Assay: 4 min 31 sec Click to watch

Chemical composition and cytotoxic activity of the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus L. Grown in phu tho province

Culms and leaves of Cymbopogon citratus L. were collected from two regions of Phu Tho province (Thanh Son and Phu Ninh) and used as materials for essential oil extraction. Oils obtained were steam-distilled, analyzed for chemical composition and evaluated for cytotoxic activity against three different cancer cell lines. The GC/MS analysis showed that citral is the major content of the steam-distilled essential oils which was found in the range of 64.15-76.22%. Camphene was found only in culm oils of both regions but it was not detected in the leaf oils. Interestingly, the isomer forms of ocimene present at higher content in the culm oils than in the leaf oils whereas myrcene content in the leaf oils is higher than that in the culm oils. In a cytotoxicity test, four essential oils of culms and leaves of C. citratus from Thanh Son and Phu Ninh showed potent activity against A549 (human lung carcinoma) cell line with the IC50 values ranging from 4.01±0.39 to 6.3±0.54 µg/ml. The essential oils (culms and leaves) from Phu Ninh exhibited moderate effects on the Hela (human cervical adenocarcinoma) cells with the IC50 values of 19.43±1.16 and 42±2.41 µg/ml, respectively. However, they were inactive against the human hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cell line. The essential oils from Thanh Son exhibited potent cytotoxic activity against Hela and Hep3B cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 1.18±0.26 to 8.91±0.32 µg/ml. The results indicated that the essential oils of C. citratus from Thanh Son, Phu Tho could be considered as a promising candidate for the natural sources of anticancer agents.