Effects of Oleo Gum Resin of L. on Senescence in Human Dermal Fibroblasts: - Asafoetida reverses senescence in fibroblasts.

Objectives: Based on data from Chinese and Indian traditional herbal medicines, gum resin of (sometimes referred to asafetida or asafoetida) has several therapeutic applications. The authors of various studies have claimed that asafetida has cytotoxic, antiulcer, anti-neoplasm, anti-cancer, and anti-oxidative effects. In present study, the anti-aging effect of asafetida on senescent human dermal fibroblasts was evaluated.

Methods: Senescence was induced in cultured human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) through exposure to HO, and the incidence of senescence was recognized by using cytochemical staining for the activity of -galactosidase. Then, treatment with oleo gum resin of asafetida was started to evaluate its rejuvenating effect. The survival rate of fibroblasts was evaluated by using methyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot assays were performed to evaluate the expressions of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers.

Results: Our experiments show that asafetida in concentrations ranging from 5 × 10 to 10 g/mL has revitalizing effects on senescent fibroblasts and significantly reduces the -galactosidase activity in these cells ( < 0.05). Likewise, treatment at these concentrations increases the proliferation rate of normal fibroblasts ( < 0.05). However, at concentrations higher than 5 × 10 g/mL, asafetida is toxic for cells and induces cell death.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that asafetida at low concentrations has a rejuvenating effect on senescent fibroblasts whereas at higher concentrations, it has the opposite effect of facilitating cellular apoptosis and death.