Background: H. isora is a species of the genus Helicteres, a medicinal plant known to be used in the treatment of liver cancer in Vietnam. However, there has been no recorded about biological activity of H. isora species in Vietnam. The current study aimed to study the antitumor activity through its antioxidant activity and inhibitory properties on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. 
 
Methods: Arial parts of Helicteres isora were collected from Dak Nong province. Samples were extracted maceration method in ethanol solvent. The antitumor activity were identified though the DPPH radical scavenging activity (<a href="#brand-williams_1995">Brand-Williams et al., (1995)</a> and WST-1 assay, Real- time PCR, Hoechst 33258 spectrofluorometric assay and Annexin V-FITC Apoptosis Assay on the human liver cancer cells (HepG2) and non-malignant cells of Chang&rsquo;s Live.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The ethanol extract of H. isora exhibited antioxidant activity with IC50=21.16 &micro;g/ml. H. isora extract also exhibited inhibitory activity on HepG2 cell division with IC50=37 &micro;g/ml after 48 h. The expression of DNA fragmentation of the extract also increased with time (48-72h). Apoptosis induction of extract was associated with up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax gene expression and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression. The H. isora extract was found to induce the apoptotic process in HepG2 cells through the up and down regulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 gene.

Helicteres isora Ethanol Extract Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in HepG2 Cells

Background: Helicteres viscida Blume is a species of the genus Helicteres, a medicinal plant known to be used in the treatment: kidney tonic, diarrhea, dysentery, itching, hematuria, asthma, anti-inflammatory, &hellip; However, there has been no much recorded about biological activity of H. viscida species in Vietnam. The current study aimed to study anti-inflammatory activity through it&rsquo;s anti-protein denaturation activity and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. 
 
Methods: Arial parts of Helicteres viscida Blume were collected from Dak Nong province. Samples were extracted percolation method in ethanol solvent. The total phenols and flavonoids were determined by using the colorimetric method. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by the inhibition of protein denaturation method and carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay. 
 
Result: The The ethanol extract of Helicteres viscida Blume are identified contents phenolic and flavonoid 44.82&plusmn;0.29 and 16.95&plusmn;1.19 mg/g extract, respectively. H. viscida Blume ethanol extract show the great ability on anti-inflammatory ability through on anti-denaturation of protein effect and reduce paw edama by carrageenan - induced in mice.&nbsp; Anti-denaturation of protein effect was found that at concentration from 50 to 500 &micro;g/ml (IC50 = 413.5 &micro;g/mL) compare with diclofenac sodium 50 to 200 &micro;g/ml (IC50 = 125.1 &micro;g/mL). Oral administration of H. viscida Blume ethanol extract at the dose 500, 1000 mg/kg can inhibitor carrageenan-induced mice paw edema.

Helicteres isora Ethanol Extract Induces Apoptotic Cell Death in HepG2 Cells

The Anti-inflammatory Activity of Helicteres viscida Blume Ethanol Extract in Carrageenan-induced Paw Edema in Mice