Anti-angiogenic activity of Gynura segetum leaf extracts and its fractions

Gynura segetum is a popular medicinal plant in Indonesia and Malaysia, known to possess various medicinal properties especially for treatment of cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect of Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were also determined.

The anti-angiogenic activity of Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions was evaluated in vivo using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to identify the chemical compositions of the active extracts.

The CAM treated with Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions (100μg/disc) showed a significantly greater anti-angiogenic effect compared to the positive control suramin (50μg/disc). Chemical analysis of the active extracts from the leaves of Gynura segetum yielded nine known compounds: undecane (1), neophytadine (2), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (4), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (5), phytol (6), tetradecanal (7), octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (8) and γ-sitosterol (9).

These results suggested that Gynura segetum has anti-angiogenic activity. The plant may be used as a potential source for protection against cancer.