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Flavonoid-mediated tumor growth suppression demonstrated by in vivo study
1Department of Surgery, Aichi-Gakuin University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.
Abstract:
Many of flavonoids as well as bioflavonoids extracted from higher plants, which were earlier revealed to have tumor cell growth suppression activity in vitro, were examined for their effect on tumors in vivo. Balb/c mice were inoculated i.p. with syngeneic tumor cells, meth/a, and then provided with flavonoids dissolved in their drinking water during the course of their survival time. Many flavonoids were effective in prolonging the survival period. Furthermore, flavonoids that did not show suppressive activities in the in vitro experiments were effective in the in vivo assay. The data suggested that sugar bonded to the A ring, which suppresses tumor growth inhibition in vitro, plays an important role. Many aglycones that were effective in the in vitro assay on the tumor growth suppression were not effective in the in vivo assay. The reason for this seems to be that most aglycones are unstable and thus break down in vivo. No acute nor chronic toxicity of flavonoids was observed in the mice.
Insights
Flavonoids from plants show promise in fighting tumors in mice. Some flavonoids effective in vivo were not effective in vitro, suggesting unique mechanisms for tumor suppression in living organisms.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Flavonoids and bioflavonoids from higher plants exhibit in vitro tumor cell growth suppression.
- Investigating the in vivo efficacy of these plant-derived compounds is crucial for therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo anti-tumor effects of various flavonoids and bioflavonoids.
- To understand the structural requirements for flavonoid anti-tumor activity in a living system.
Main Methods:
- Balb/c mice were inoculated with syngeneic meth/a tumor cells.
- Flavonoids were administered orally via drinking water throughout the mice's survival period.
Main Results:
- Several flavonoids significantly prolonged the survival period of tumor-bearing mice.
- Flavonoids inactive in vitro demonstrated in vivo anti-tumor efficacy, indicating different mechanisms of action.
- Sugar conjugation to the A ring appeared important for in vivo activity, while many unstable aglycones lost efficacy in vivo.
- No acute or chronic toxicity was observed.
Conclusions:
- Flavonoids possess significant in vivo anti-tumor activity, extending survival in a murine model.
- Structural features, particularly glycosylation, influence flavonoid efficacy in vivo, differentiating from in vitro activity.
- Flavonoids represent a potentially safe and effective class of natural compounds for cancer therapy.