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1- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
2- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran.
3- Department of Agronomy Science, Research Institute of Modern Biological Techniques, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
Abstract:   (13 Views)
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a highly lethal malignancy, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic agents. Cannabis has recently gained attention as a promising plant-derived source of bioactive compounds; however, most studies investigating the anti-tumor properties of Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) have focused on leaf extracts, leaving its seeds largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor potential of an ethanolic extract of C. sativa seeds against pancreatic cancer cells.
Methods: An ethanolic extract of C. sativa seeds was prepared and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The cytotoxicity of the extract on PANC-1 (pancreatic cancer) and Human Foreskin Fibroblast (HFF) normal cells was assessed using the MTT assay. Colony formation and wound-healing assays evaluated the extract's impact on PANC-1 colony formation and migration. Flow cytometry analysis assessed the cell cycle phase of PANC-1 cells after treatment.
Results: The extract selectively suppressed PANC-1 proliferation without affecting HFF cell viability. It induced G1-phase arrest and increased the sub-G1 population in PANC-1 cells, inhibited colony formation, shifted colony composition toward a paraclone-dominant phenotype, and reduced migratory capacity.
Conclusion: Our in vitro findings demonstrate that C. sativa seed extract selectively inhibits PANC-1 cell proliferation and reduces cell migration and clonogenicity while sparing normal cells, suggesting its potential as a plant-derived candidate for PDAC therapy.
     
Type of Study: Original Article | Subject: Health Promotion
Received: 2026/07/23 | Accepted: 2026/10/11

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