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Cytotoxic activity of Guettarda pohliana Müll. Arg. (Rubiaceae)
Paulo R N de Oliveira1, Gláucio Testa, Rebeca P Medina
1a Departamento de Química , Universidade Estadual de Maringá , Av. Colombo 5790 , 87020-900 , Maringá , Paraná , Brazil.
Abstract:
The cytotoxic activity of crude extracts and their fractions from leaves and roots of G. pohliana was assessed against nine human cancer cell lines: melanoma (UACC-62), breast (MCF-7), breast expressing the multidrug resistance phenotype (NCI-ADR), lung (NCI-460), prostate (PCO-3), kidney (786-0), ovarian (OVCAR), colon (HT-29) and leukaemia (K-562). The hexane fraction from leaves (HL) and ethyl acetate (EAR), chloroform (CR) and hydromethanolic (HMR) fractions from roots were the most active fractions against K-562 with GI₅₀ values being lower than 1 μg mL⁻¹. Also, CR and HMR fractions were active against UACC-62 cell line in the same order of magnitude. The phytochemical study of the CR fraction allowed identifying the known iridoids secoxyloganin, sweroside and loganin.
Insights
G. pohliana leaf and root extracts show potent cytotoxic activity against human cancer cells, particularly leukemia (K-562) and melanoma (UACC-62). Phytochemical analysis identified key iridoids in active root fractions.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Cancer Research
Background:
- G. pohliana is a plant with potential medicinal properties.
- Cytotoxic agents are crucial for cancer treatment.
- Understanding plant-derived compounds' anti-cancer effects is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of G. pohliana extracts and fractions against various human cancer cell lines.
- To identify bioactive compounds responsible for the observed cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Crude extracts and fractions from G. pohliana leaves and roots were prepared.
- Cytotoxic activity was assessed against nine human cancer cell lines using GI₅₀ values.
- Phytochemical analysis was performed on the most active fraction.
Main Results:
- Hexane leaf fraction (HL) and ethyl acetate (EAR), chloroform (CR), and hydromethanolic (HMR) root fractions exhibited significant activity against K-562 cells (GI₅₀ < 1 μg mL⁻¹).
- CR and HMR fractions also showed activity against UACC-62 melanoma cells.
- Phytochemical analysis of the CR fraction identified iridoids: secoxyloganin, sweroside, and loganin.
Conclusions:
- G. pohliana possesses potent cytotoxic compounds effective against leukemia and melanoma cell lines.
- The identified iridoids may contribute to the observed anti-cancer activity.
- Further research into G. pohliana's therapeutic potential is warranted.
