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7-Geranyloxycinnamic Acid Isolated from Melicope lunu-ankenda Leaves Perturbs Colon Cancer and Breast Cancer Cell
Enas Mohamed Eliaser1,2, Najihah Mohd Hashim3,4, Yaya Rukayadi5,6
1UPM-MAKNA Cancer Research Laboratory, Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia.
Abstract:
Globally, breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in women and there is a need for alternative therapies such as plant-derived compounds with low systemic toxicity and selective toxicity to cancer cells. The aim of this study is to assess the cytotoxicity effects of 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid isolated from leaves of Melicope lunu-ankenda, a traditional medicinal plant, on the human breast cancer cell lines. Dried leaf powder was used for the preparation of different crude extracts using different solvents of increasing order of polarity. The structure of the isolated compound from the petroleum ether extract was elucidated by 1H and 13C NMR, LC-MS, and DIP-MS spectroscopy. The cytotoxic activity of the crude extract and 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid analyzed using MTT assay. Apoptotic analysis was evaluated using Annexin V-PI staining, AO/PI staining, intracellular ROS measurement, and measurement of activities of caspases 3/7, 8, and 9. Crude extracts and the isolated pure compound showed significant cytotoxicity against tested cancer cell lines. 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid was found to exert significant cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cell lines such as the MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The cytotoxic effects are attributed to its ability to induce apoptosis via accumulation of ROS and activation of caspases in both breast cancer cell lines. The pure compound, 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid isolated from the leaves of M. lunu-ankenda, can exert significant cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cell lines without affecting the normal cells.
Insights
A compound from the medicinal plant Melicope lunu-ankenda, 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid, shows potent anticancer effects. This natural compound effectively targets breast cancer cells by inducing apoptosis, offering a promising alternative therapy.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Breast cancer is a leading global cancer in women, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Plant-derived compounds offer potential for low systemic toxicity and selective cancer cell targeting.
- Melicope lunu-ankenda is a traditional medicinal plant with unexplored therapeutic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the cytotoxic effects of 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid from M. lunu-ankenda on human breast cancer cell lines.
- To investigate the mechanism of action, including apoptosis induction and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- To assess the compound's selectivity towards cancer cells versus normal cells.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and isolation of 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid from M. lunu-ankenda leaves.
- Structural elucidation using NMR and mass spectrometry techniques.
- Cytotoxicity assessment via MTT assay and apoptosis analysis using Annexin V-PI, AO/PI staining, ROS measurement, and caspase activity assays.
Main Results:
- Crude extracts and isolated 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.
- 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid induced apoptosis through ROS accumulation and caspase activation (caspases 3/7, 8, and 9).
- The compound exhibited selective toxicity, with no significant impact on normal cells.
Conclusions:
- 7-geranyloxycinnamic acid isolated from M. lunu-ankenda possesses significant cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing properties against human breast cancer cells.
- The mechanism involves ROS generation and caspase pathway activation.
- This natural compound represents a potential candidate for developing novel, selective breast cancer therapeutics.
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