Effect of Salvadora persica Linn root aqueous extract on oral epithelial dysplasia and oral cancer cell lines

Purpose: To evaluate the potential chemo-preventive and anti-oral cancer effects of Salvadora persica (S. persica) on oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Methods: Aqueous S. persica root extracts were prepared at concentrations up to 15.75 mg/mL and applied to oral epithelial dysplasia (DOK), oral squamous cell carcinoma (PE/CA-PJ15), and periodontal ligament fibroblast (PDL) cell lines. The effect of the extract on cell survival and proliferation was determined using MTT assay, while its effect on apoptosis in DOK and PE/CA-PJ15 lines were investigated by measuring apoptotic index using Hoechst stain. Results: In DOK and PE/CA-PJ15 cell lines, cytotoxicity was significant at extract concentrations of 11.25, 13.50 and 15.75 mg/mL, while extract concentration of 13.50 mg/mL produced significant cytotoxic effects on PDL cell line (p < 0.05). The percentage of apoptotic cells significantly increased at extract concentration of 11.25 mg/mL for both DOK and PE/CA-PJ15 cell lines (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Significant cytotoxic effects of aqueous root extract of S. persica appeared at a lower concentration in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral cancer cell lines than in normal PDL cell line. These results suggest the potential of S. persica for preventing oral cancer.