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Published on: June 13, 2020
Cytotoxic Activity of Lepidium virginicum L. Methanolic Extract on Human Colorectal Cancer Cells, Caco-2, through
Renata Gallegos-Saucedo1, Tonatiuh Barrios-García1, Eduardo E Valdez-Morales1,2
1Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Centro de Ciencias Básicas, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes 20100, Mexico.
Abstract:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Its treatment options have had a limited impact on cancer remission prognosis. Therefore, there is an ongoing need to discover novel anti-cancer agents. Medicinal plants have gained recognition as a source of anti-cancer bioactive compounds. Recently, ethanolic extract of L. virginicum stems ameliorated dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced colitis by modulating the intestinal immune response. However, no scientific study has demonstrated this potential cytotoxic impact on colon cancer cells. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the methanolic extract of L. virginicum (ELv) on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2) and to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds present in ELv extracts by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The cytotoxic activity was assessed using cell viability assays by reduction in the compound 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). MTT and LDH assays revealed that the ELv decreases cell viability in the Caco-2 cell line in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell death was a result of DNA fragmentation and p53-mediated apoptosis. Eight phenolic acids and five flavonoids were identified and quantified in the stems. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the extract of L. virginicum possesses cytotoxic properties on Caco-2 cell line, suggesting that it could be a potential source of new drugs against CRC.
Insights
The methanolic extract of L. virginicum (ELv) shows cytotoxic effects on human colorectal cancer cells (Caco-2). This plant extract may offer a new source for developing anti-cancer drugs.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Natural Products Chemistry
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a leading cause of cancer death globally, with limited treatment efficacy.
- Medicinal plants are a promising source for novel anti-cancer compounds.
- Previous studies showed L. virginicum extract's anti-inflammatory effects in colitis, but its anti-cancer potential was unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cytotoxic effects of L. virginicum methanolic extract (ELv) on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2).
- To identify and quantify phenolic compounds in ELv using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
Main Methods:
- Cell viability was assessed using MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays.
- Apoptosis and DNA fragmentation were analyzed to understand cell death mechanisms.
- Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was employed for phenolic compound identification and quantification.
Main Results:
- ELv significantly reduced Caco-2 cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner.
- Cell death was induced via DNA fragmentation and p53-mediated apoptosis.
- Eight phenolic acids and five flavonoids were identified and quantified in the ELv extract.
Conclusions:
- L. virginicum extract exhibits significant cytotoxic properties against the Caco-2 cell line.
- These findings suggest L. virginicum as a potential source for novel anti-colorectal cancer therapeutics.
