Stander, Barend AndreMarais, SumariSteynberg, Tenille JoleneTheron, D.Joubert, FourieAlbrecht, C.Joubert, Annie M.2007-07-162007-07-162007-06-13Stander, BA, Marais, S, Steynberg, TJ, Theron, D, Joubert, F, Albrecht, C & Joubert, AM 2007,‘Influence of Sutherlandia frutescens extracts on cell numbers, morphology and gene expression in MCF-7 cells’, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 112, no. 2, pp. 312-318.[http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/03788741]0378-874110.1016/j.jep.2007.03.013http://hdl.handle.net/2263/3044Sutherlandia frutescens is a well-known South African herbal remedy traditionally used for stomach problems, internal cancers, diabetes, various inflammatory conditions and recently to improve the overall health in cancer and HIV/AIDS patients. The influence of crude Sutherlandia frutescens extracts (prepared with 70% ethanol) was investigated on cell numbers, morphology, and gene expression profiles in a MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line. Time-dependent (24, 34, 48 and 72 h) and dose-dependent (0.5–2.5 mg/ml) studies were conducted utilizing spectrophotometrical analysis with crystal violet as DNA stain. A statistically significant decrease to 50% of malignant cell numbers was observed after 24 h of exposure to 1.5 mg/ml Sutherlandia frutescens extract when compared to vehicle-treated controls. Morphological characteristics of apoptosis including cytoplasmic shrinking, membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies were observed after 24 h of exposure. A preliminary global gene expression profile was obtained by means of microarray analysis and revealed valuable information about the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction associated with 70% ethanolic Sutherlandia frutescens extracts.330423 bytesapplication/pdfenElsevierSouth African herbSutherlandia frutescensAntitumorTumor cell lineMicroarraysMateria medica, VegetableCancer -- Alternative treatmentCancer cellsHerbs -- Therapeutic use -- South AfricaSpectrophotometryCancer genesPostprint Article