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Antiproliferative, antimicrobial and apoptosis inducing effects of compounds isolated from Inula viscosa

Wamidh H Talib1, Musa H Abu Zarga, Adel M Mahasneh

  • 1Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science University, Amman 11931-166, Jordan. altaei_wamidh@yahoo.com

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Methylated quercetins from Inula viscosa show potent anticancer and antimicrobial effects. These compounds, particularly 3,3'-di-O-methylquercetin and 3-O-methylquercetin, induce apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit bacterial growth, highlighting their therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Inula viscosa (L.) is a plant source of bioactive compounds.
  • Flavonoids are a class of natural products with diverse biological activities.
  • Investigating plant-derived compounds for therapeutic applications is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of compounds isolated from Inula viscosa.
  • To determine the mechanism of action for observed antiproliferative effects.
  • To assess the potential of these compounds as anticancer and antimicrobial agents.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and testing of thirteen compounds from Inula viscosa.
  • Antiproliferative activity assessed using MTT assay against three cell lines.
  • Antimicrobial activity evaluated by microdilution method against bacteria and fungi.
  • Apoptotic activity determined via TUNEL assay and morphological changes observed using scanning electron microscopy.

Main Results:

  • Four flavonoids, including 3,3 -di-O-methylquercetin and 3-O-methylquercetin, exhibited antiproliferative activity.
  • 3,3 -di-O-methylquercetin and 3-O-methylquercetin showed selective activity against MCF-7 cells (IC50 values ~10-11 µg/mL).
  • These compounds induced apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibited Bacillus cereus and Salmonella typhimurium growth.
  • 3,3 -di-O-methylquercetin caused significant damage to bacterial cell walls and membranes.

Conclusions:

  • Methylated quercetins from Inula viscosa possess enhanced anticancer and antimicrobial properties.
  • These compounds demonstrate potential as novel therapeutic agents for cancer and infectious diseases.
  • Further research into the development of these flavonoids is warranted.

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