Investigations into cytotoxic effects of the herbal preparation Abnormal Savda Munziq

Objective To evaluate the effects of Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional herbal medicine, for the prevention and treatment of human diseases, e.g. bowel cancer. Methods The parameters total polyphenol content, cell proliferation and DNA-damage as well as RNA and protein-oxidation were analysed in vitro . Besides, the expressions of miRNA and tumor suppressor genes as well as cellular senescence were evaluated. Results ASMq had a high polyphenol content and induced damage to proteins, RNA as well as to DNA, which is correlated with its cytotoxicity. Furthermore ASMq up-regulated the tumor suppressor genes p21, p53 and p16 and down-regulated the micro-RNAs hsa-mir-17 and hsa-mir-106b. In addition cellular growth arrest and SA-β-gal-staining were induced. Conclusion ASMq has the ability to induce DNA damage and cellular senescence, which are double-edged mechanisms in fighting cancer, as they might also have harmful side effects.