Bioactive Lignans from Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb. stem bark with cytotoxic potential

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Zanthoxylum alatum possesses traditional medicinal uses for various ailments, including cancer.
• The plant's stem bark has been historically employed in folk medicine for treating numerous health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cytotoxic potential of Zanthoxylum alatum stem bark extracts.
• To isolate and identify bioactive compounds responsible for the observed cytotoxic effects.

Main Methods:

• Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT assay on lung (A549) and pancreatic (MIA-PaCa) carcinoma cell lines.
• Bioactive compounds were isolated via silica gel column chromatography and structures elucidated using spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, NMR, Mass Spectrometry).
• Apoptosis induction was studied using acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining via fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

• The petroleum ether extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity.
• Three lignans, sesamin (A), kobusin (B), and 4'O demethyl magnolin (C), were isolated.
• Compound C (4'O demethyl magnolin) was identified as a novel, highly active cytotoxic agent, inducing apoptosis in MIA-PaCa cells at IC50 (21.72 µg/mL) and necrosis at higher doses.

Conclusions:

• Zanthoxylum alatum stem bark extract possesses notable cytotoxic potential.
• Isolated lignans, particularly 4'O demethyl magnolin, are responsible for the extract's anticancer properties.
• Zanthoxylum alatum represents a promising source for developing novel anticancer therapeutics.