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Antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity of Geraniaceae plant extracts against five tumor cell lines
Shynggys Sergazy1, Anastassiya Vetrova2, Ilkay Erdogan Orhan3
1National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Nur-Sultan, 010000, Kazakhstan.
Aim:
To determine the antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of Geranium and Erodium species against human cancer and noncancer cell lines, respectively.
Methods:
Twenty-one species of Geranium and Erodium were extracted and screened against cancerous and noncancerous human cell lines.
Results:
In a dose-response manner, G. glaberrimum, G. asphodeloides, E. brandianum and E. leucanthum were able, with variable potency, to inhibit cellular proliferation. Except for E. brandianum, all extracts induced cellular autophagy in tumor cells with similar levels to that of rapamycin; but, only E. brandianum induced cellular apoptosis, likely through Bcl2 and BAX protein expressions.
Discussion:
This is the first study to report the potential antiproliferative effects of ethanol extracts of several Geraniaceae species.
Insights
Ethanol extracts from Geranium and Erodium species show antiproliferative effects on human cancer cells. Certain species inhibit cell growth, induce autophagy, and one triggers apoptosis, suggesting potential anti-cancer properties.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Natural products are a rich source of potential anti-cancer agents.
- Geranium and Erodium species (Geraniaceae family) have not been extensively studied for their cytotoxic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities of various Geranium and Erodium species.
- To investigate the mechanisms of action, including autophagy and apoptosis induction.
Main Methods:
- Ethanolic extracts were prepared from 21 Geranium and Erodium species.
- Extracts were screened against human cancer and non-cancer cell lines in a dose-response manner.
Main Results:
- Several species, including G. glaberrimum, G. asphodeloides, E. brandianum, and E. leucanthum, demonstrated dose-dependent inhibition of cellular proliferation.
- Most extracts induced cellular autophagy in tumor cells, comparable to rapamycin.
- E. brandianum uniquely induced cellular apoptosis, potentially via Bcl2 and BAX protein expression.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to report the antiproliferative potential of ethanol extracts from several Geraniaceae species.
- Geranium and Erodium species exhibit promising cytotoxic effects against human cancer cells through distinct mechanisms.
