Colonic metabolites from digested Moringa oleifera leaves induced HT-29 cell death via apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy
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Updated: Nov 26, 2025

Author Spotlight: Understanding Cytokine-Induced Cell Death in Intestinal Epithelial Cells Using Human Organoids
Published on: August 2, 2024
Laura H Caicedo-Lopez1,2, M Liceth Cuellar-Nuñez3, Ivan Luzardo-Ocampo1
1Research and Graduate Program in Food Science, School of Chemistry, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Qro, Mexico.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer is an important concern in modern society. Risk factors such as the diet indicate the need to find healthy food products displaying additional health benefits. This study aimed to characterise and evaluate the impact of the colonic metabolites from the fermented non-digestible fraction of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves (FNFM) on cell death mechanisms from HT-29 cells. MO leaves were digested in vitro, and the 12 h-colonic extract was obtained. FNFM mainly contained morin and chlorogenic acids (41.97 and 25.33 µg/g sample). Butyric acid was ranked as the most important metabolite of FNFM. The FNFM exerted antiproliferative effect against HT-29 colorectal cancer cells (half lethal concentration, LC50: 5.9 mL/100 mL). Compared to untreated control, LC50 increased H2O2 production (149.43%); induced apoptosis (119.02%), autophagy (75.60%), and necrosis (87.72%). These results suggested that digested MO colonic metabolites exert antiproliferative effect against HT-29 cells, providing additional health benefits associated with MO consumption.
Insights
Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf metabolites show antiproliferative effects against colorectal cancer cells. This study found that fermented MO leaf extracts induce cell death, offering potential health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Cancer Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health concern.
- Dietary factors play a role in CRC development.
- There is a need for healthy foods with potential health benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize colonic metabolites from fermented Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves.
- To evaluate the impact of these metabolites on HT-29 colorectal cancer cells.
- To investigate the cell death mechanisms induced by MO metabolites.
Main Methods:
- In vitro digestion of MO leaves to obtain colonic extract.
- Chemical analysis of the fermented non-digestible fraction (FNFM) for key metabolites (morin, chlorogenic acids, butyric acid).
- Assessment of FNFM's antiproliferative effect on HT-29 cells and analysis of cell death pathways (apoptosis, autophagy, necrosis) and H2O2 production.
Main Results:
- FNFM was rich in morin and chlorogenic acids, with butyric acid as a major metabolite.
- FNFM demonstrated a significant antiproliferative effect on HT-29 cells (LC50: 5.9 mL/100 mL).
- FNFM treatment increased H2O2 production and induced apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis in cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- Digested colonic metabolites from MO leaves possess antiproliferative properties against colorectal cancer cells.
- MO consumption may offer additional health benefits due to these bioactive compounds.
- Further research into MO as a functional food for cancer prevention is warranted.
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