Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects of Achillea filipendulina L. against colon cancer

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects of Achillea filipendulina. Methods: Phytochemical content was analyzed by GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was assayed by DPPH, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and iron reduction tests. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the MIC assay. Anticancer activity was detected via MTT assay, followed by analysis of the apoptotic process using annexin V and caspase 3/7. miR-519d and Dvl-1 expression were assessed by RT-PCR, and molecular docking analysis was also performed. Results: The ethanol extract of Achillea filipendulina showed the strongest anticancer effect. A significant increase in miR-519d expression was observed in HT29 cells, while a decrease in Dvl-1 expression was noted. DPPH, FRAP, total antioxidant status, and total oxidant assays showed high antioxidant activity. The hexane and ethanol extracts were effective against Streptococcus mutans (MIC<50 g/mL), while the ethanol extract was effective against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans (MIC<50 g/mL). Molecular docking studies also confirmed that ethanol extracts could act on the Wnt pathway. GC-MS analysis showed high level of eucalyptol and borneol content in the extract. Conclusions: Ethanol extract of Achillea filipendulina has anticancer effect and can be used in colon cancer treatments.