Inhibitory Properties of Cannabis sativa Seed Extract on Pancreatic Cancer Cells

BackgroundPancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers and there is a pressing need for development of new therapies. Recently, cannabis has received attentions as a promising plant-based medication for treating a variety of illnesses. The studies investigating the anti-tumor effects of C. sativa extract, to date, have used the plant leaves. In this study, we explore the inhibitory properties of C. sativa seeds. MethodsAn ethanolic extract of C. sativa seeds was prepared. GC-MS analysis was performed to identify the compounds in the extract. The cytotoxicity of the extract on PANC-1 cells and HFF cells was assessed using MTT assay. Colony formation and Wound healing assays were used to evaluate the impact of the extract on the ability of PANC-1 cells to form colonies and migrate. Flow cytometry analysis evaluated cell cycle phase of PANC-1 cells after treatment with the extract. ResultsThe C. sativa seed extract had anti-proliferative effects on pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1, while showing no such an effect on normal HFF cells. The extract made its impact on PANC-1 cells by arresting them at G1 phase and increasing their apoptosis. Furthermore it inhibited PANC-1 colony formation and changed the colony combination in favor of paraclones. Migration capacity of PANC-1 cells was also attenuated by the extract. ConclusionsOur results revealed that C. sativa seed extract has inhibitory effects on PANC-1 cells by reducing their proliferation, migration and colony formation capacity. It halts the cells in G1 phase and increases their apoptosis.