Cytotoxic and antioxidative sesquiterpenoids from Heterotheca inuloides

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products

Background:

• The Asteraceae family, including Heterotheca inuloides, is a rich source of bioactive compounds.
• Sesquiterpenoids are a diverse class of natural products with various pharmacological activities.
• Cytotoxic agents are crucial for cancer therapy, and natural products are a promising avenue for discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and identify sesquiterpenoids from Heterotheca inuloides.
• To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of isolated compounds against solid tumor cell lines.
• To investigate the potential of these compounds in inhibiting lipid peroxidation.

Main Methods:

• Extraction and isolation of sesquiterpenoids from dried Heterotheca inuloides flowers.
• In vitro cytotoxic assays against multiple solid tumor cell lines.
• Lipid peroxidation inhibition assays (autoxidative and microsomal).

Main Results:

• Four sesquiterpenoids were isolated: beta-caryophyllene, beta-caryophyllene 4,5 alpha-oxide, 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalin, and 7-hydroxycadalin.
• All four isolated sesquiterpenoids exhibited cytotoxic activity against tested solid tumor cell lines.
• 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalin and 7-hydroxycadalin demonstrated inhibition of both autoxidative and microsomal lipid peroxidation.

Conclusions:

• Sesquiterpenoids from Heterotheca inuloides possess significant cytotoxic potential against solid tumors.
• The compounds 7-hydroxy-3,4-dihydrocadalin and 7-hydroxycadalin show dual activity, inhibiting both cancer cell growth and lipid peroxidation.
• These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Heterotheca inuloides-derived sesquiterpenoids in cancer treatment and related conditions.