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Anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of some dietary cucurbits

Dhara Sharma, Indu Rawat, H C Goel

    Indian Journal of Experimental Biology
    |May 28, 2015
    PubMed

    Insights

    Dietary cucurbits like Lagenaria siceraria and Luffa cylindrica show significant anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. These natural compounds effectively reduce colon cancer cell viability and inflammation, offering therapeutic potential.

    Area of Science:

    • Phytochemistry
    • Cancer Biology
    • Immunology

    Background:

    • Dietary cucurbits are common vegetables with potential medicinal properties.
    • Cancer and inflammation are significant global health concerns.
    • Natural compounds are increasingly explored for therapeutic applications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of dietary cucurbits.
    • To evaluate extracts of Lagenaria siceraria (Ls), Luffa cylindrica (Lc), and Cucurbita pepo (Cp).
    • To compare the effects of cucurbit extracts with isolated cucurbitacin-B (Cbit-B).

    Main Methods:

    • Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays.
    • Apoptosis was monitored via caspase-3 and annexin-V assays.
    • Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated by measuring IL-8 cytokine secretion.

    Main Results:

    • Cucurbit extracts and Cbit-B significantly reduced colon cancer cell viability (HT-29, HCT-15) in a dose-dependent manner.
    • Lymphocyte viability was minimally affected, indicating tumor cell selectivity.
    • Ls extract induced maximum apoptosis, while Lc extract showed maximum efficacy in annexin-V assays.
    • All tested cucurbits demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties by reducing IL-8 secretion.

    Conclusions:

    • Dietary cucurbits possess significant anticancer properties against colon cancer cells.
    • These cucurbits exhibit promising anti-inflammatory capabilities.
    • The findings support the therapeutic potential of cucurbits in cancer and inflammation management.

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