The Cytotoxic Effects of Echinacea Extract on the Human Leukaemic Cell

Echinacea species are generally used as predictable healer for strengthen the immune system ranges from external and internal uses. Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida are the most medicinally used species. In this research the fluid extract of Echinacea angustifolia root and Echinacea purpurea whole plant used in different concentrations to examine their cytotoxic effect on the human leukaemic cell line HL60. The cytotoxic effect determined by counting the cell viability (cell proliferation) before and after treatment with Echinacea concentrations,the inhibition rates and the cell morphology. The Echinacea concentrations were 0.1% , 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10%(v/v) during 0-96 hours exposure time. The Echinacea extract has been showed most potent cytotoxic effect against the proliferation of HL60 cells compared with control group. The morphological changes showed increase in apoptotic features such as blebs and vacuoles with increase Echinacea concentrations. These results revealed that Echinacea angustifolia and purpurea have cytotoxic effect on HL60 cell line proliferation and suggest apoptosis as the process that inhibited cell proliferation.