Evaluation of inhibitory effect and apoptosis induction of Zyzyphus Jujube on tumor cell lines, an in vitro preliminary study

In the present study, water extract of dried fruit of Zyzyphus Jujube was tested for its possible anticancer effect and induction of apoptosis on human tumor cell lines, HEp-2, HeLa and Jurkat cell lines. The inhibitory effect of water extract of this fruit on cell proliferation was assessed by MTT colorimetric assay. The induction of apoptosis of this extract was analyzed by DNA fragmentation analysis. Zyzyphus Jujube extract showed inhibitory effects on mentioned cell lines. Jurkat leukemic line was found the most sensitive cells with IC50 of 0.1 mu g mL(-1). Our study also showed a typical DNA laddering in this cell line. The present study showed cytotoxic activity of Zyzyphus Jujube on tumor cells. Although Zyzyphus Jujube has useful compounds for medical applications.