Karanjin, A Promising Bioactive Compound Possessing Anti-cancer Activity against Experimental Model of Non-small Cell...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Millettia pinnata leaf extract exhibits potential anticancer activities.
• Previous research indicated significant bioactivity, prompting the isolation of key compounds.
• The study focuses on karanjin, a purified compound with promising anticancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and purify karanjin from Millettia pinnata leaf extract.
• To investigate the anticancer properties of karanjin against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying karanjin's cytotoxic and apoptotic effects.

Main Methods:

• Column chromatography was employed for karanjin isolation and purification.
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used for characterization.
• Cytotoxicity assays (MTT), apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification (fluorescence staining), and gene expression analysis (real-time PCR) were performed.

Main Results:

• Karanjin demonstrated significant anticancer activity against the A549 NSCLC cell line with an IC50 value of 4.85 μM.
• Karanjin induced apoptosis via the extrinsic pathway, involving proteins like FAS, FADD, and caspases.
• Downregulation of KRAS and associated gene expression contributed to the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

• Karanjin is identified as a potent compound with therapeutic potential for non-small cell lung cancer.
• The study confirms karanjin's ability to induce apoptosis and inhibit reactive oxygen species, highlighting its medicinal and antioxidant properties.