Noncytotoxic inhibition of malignant cell growth by Ulex seed extracts.
A water-soluble, boiled extract produced from the seeds of Ulex europeus (European gorse) was found to inhibit the growth of various reticuloendothelial tumor cell lines. Seven tumor cells, six murine and one human, were investigated and found to be sensitive to the inhibitory activity of such extracts. Ulex seed extracts (USE) reduced the incorporation of tritiated thymidine by tumor cells in an exponential dose - response relationship. In addition, 5- to 8-day cultures of these cell lines grown in the presence of USE had a marked reduction of tumor cell numbers. The reduction in growth exhibited a dose - response relationship. Growth inhibition was not the result of cytotoxicity. Cell viability and washout studies demonstrated the impermanence and easy reversibility of the inhibiting state.
D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D012157:Mononuclear Phagocyte System / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D010936:Plant Extracts; D013936:Thymidine