Colonic metabolites from digested Moringa oleifera leaves induced HT-29 cell death via apoptosis, necrosis, and

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.

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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