Anti-proliferative and cytotoxic effects of Strychnos nux-vomica root extract on human multiple myeloma cell line -...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Oncology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable blood cancer, often affecting the elderly.
• Current MM treatments have severe side effects, toxicity, and lead to drug resistance.
• Novel, safer anti-cancer agents are needed for MM therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-cancer potential of Strychnos nux-vomica L. (SN) root extract against human multiple myeloma cells.
• To identify the active compounds responsible for the observed anti-myeloma effects.

Main Methods:

• Screening of SN root extract using the human MM-cell line RPMI 8226.
• Assessing anti-proliferative activity, morphological changes, and apoptosis induction.
• Flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis and mitochondrial membrane potential assessment.
• LC-mass spectral analysis to identify alkaloids like strychnine and brucine.

Main Results:

• SN root extract demonstrated dose- and time-dependent anti-proliferative activity against MM cells.
• Morphological analysis revealed significant apoptosis in treated cells.
• Cell cycle arrest at the sub-G(0)/G(1) phase was observed.
• Disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release occurred.
• Strychnine and brucine were identified as potential active alkaloids in the extract.

Conclusions:

• Strychnos nux-vomica root extract exhibits significant anti-myeloma activity.
• The extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in multiple myeloma cells.
• Alkaloids strychnine and brucine are likely responsible for the observed anti-cancer effects, suggesting potential for natural MM therapies.