Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the antioxidant activity of nobiletin and its inhibitory capacity on the proliferation of
cancer cells in vitro. Methods: The scavenging activities of nobiletin on DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals
were detected. MTT assay was utilized to evaluate the effect of nobiletin on the growth of different tumor cells. The
changes in organelles and cell morphology were observed through inverted microscope and transmission electron
microscope. Results: Nobiletin had a strong ability to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals, especially
to remove hydroxyl radical. Nobiletin had a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of PANC-1 cells. The viability and
proliferation of PANC-1 cells were decreased in culture medium with nobiletin. As observed under inverted microscope
and transmission electron microscope, nobiletin could result in disruption of the nuclear membrane, release of cytoplasmic
contents and generation of apoptotic bodies. Conclusion: Nobiletin has excellent capability to scavenge free radicals and
inhibit the proliferation of human PANC-1 cells.

Key words: nobiletin, antioxidant activity, cell proliferation