Calotropis procera root extracts block VEGF-induced angiogenesis: quantitative analysis.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Plant Science
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is crucial for development but also drives diseases.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis.
• Plant-derived compounds are explored for therapeutic potential in anti-angiogenic therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the anti-angiogenic potential of Calotropis procera root extracts.
• To evaluate the efficacy of different solvent extracts (methanolic, n-hexane, ethylacetate, water) on inhibiting VEGF-induced angiogenesis.

Main Methods:

• In vitro: Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) assay to assess inhibition of VEGF-induced neovascularization.
• In vivo: Sponge Implantation Assay in mice to confirm anti-angiogenic effects.
• Dose-response evaluations of plant extracts.

Main Results:

• Methanolic (CM), n-hexane (CH), and ethylacetate (CE) extracts significantly inhibited VEGF-induced neovascularization in the CAM assay in a dose-dependent manner.
• CM extract showed the highest efficacy, inhibiting over 83% of neovascularization at 10 ng.
• Sponge implantation assays in mice confirmed the anti-angiogenic activity of CM, CH, and CE extracts at 100 ng.

Conclusions:

• Root extracts of Calotropis procera, particularly methanolic, n-hexane, and ethylacetate fractions, exhibit significant anti-angiogenic properties.
• These findings suggest that Calotropis procera may be a valuable source of natural compounds for developing therapies against angiogenesis-dependent diseases.