Anti-angiogenic quassinoid-rich fraction from Eurycoma longifolia modulates endothelial cell function

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Angiogenesis is crucial for diseases like cancer and arthritis.
• Targeting angiogenesis with inhibitors is a therapeutic strategy.
• Eurycoma longifolia is a traditional plant with potential medicinal uses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-angiogenic potential of a quassinoid-rich fraction (TAF273) from Eurycoma longifolia root.
• To investigate the efficacy of TAF273 in inhibiting angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

• Ex vivo and in vivo angiogenesis models were used.
• Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were utilized for in vitro studies.
• Phytochemical analysis, including HPLC, identified key compounds in TAF273.

Main Results:

• TAF273 significantly suppressed microvessel sprouting in rat aorta (IC50 11.5μg/ml).
• TAF273 inhibited neovascularization in chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane by 63.13%.
• In vitro, TAF273 inhibited HUVEC proliferation, migration, and differentiation.

Conclusions:

• The quassinoid-rich fraction TAF273 from Eurycoma longifolia root exhibits potent anti-angiogenic activity.
• Inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration contributes to TAF273's anti-angiogenic effects.
• TAF273, enriched with quassinoids like eurycomanone, shows promise for treating angiogenesis-dependent diseases.