Esmail Samadian , Arash Golalipour , Mohammadali Vakili , Hasan Mohammed , Azam Rashidbaghan ,
Volume 20, Issue 3 (7-2026)
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality among women globally, necessitating the exploration of novel therapies with minimal side effects. Urtica dioica agglutinin (UDA), a lectin derived from stinging nettle, exhibits antiproliferative properties in various cancers; however, its effects on breast cancer cells remain underexplored. This study evaluates the cytotoxic potential of UDA against MCF-7 breast cancer cells while assessing its impact on normal mammary (MCF-10A) and embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells.
Methods: UDA was purified from Urtica dioica rhizomes by affinity chromatography and confirmed by SDS-PAGE (8.5 - 9.5 kDa) and agglutination assays. MCF-7, MCF-10A, and HEK-293 cells were treated with different concentrations of UDA (7.5 - 480 µg/mL) for 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assays to measure cell viability.
Results: UDA significantly inhibited MCF-7 proliferation in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01 at 24 hours; P < 0.0001 at 48 hours). At 240 µg/mL (During 48 hours), viability dropped below 50%, while normal HEK-293 cells showed < 30% toxicity. MCF-10A proliferation remained unaffected, even at 480 µg/mL.
Conclusion: UDA selectively targets breast cancer cells (MCF-7) with minimal toxicity to normal cells, positioning it as a promising anticancer candidate. Further studies are needed to elucidate its mechanism of action and apoptosis-inducing potential.
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