In vitro anticancer assessments of Annona muricata fractions and in vitro antioxidant profile of fractions and isolated acetogenin (15-acetyl guanacone)

HPLC-ESI/MS-MS metabolic profiling of white pitaya fruit and cytotoxic potential against cervical cancer: Comparative studies, synergistic effects, and molecular mechanistic approaches

Natural approach became a high demand for the prevention and treatment of such diseases for their proven safety and efficacy. This study is aimed to perform comparative phytochemical analysis of white pitaya (Hylocereus undatus) peel, pulp and seed extracts via determination of total flavonoid content, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity, coupled with HPLC-ESI/MS-MS analysis. Further, we evaluated the synergistic cytotoxic potential with Cisplatin against cervical cancer cells with investigation of underlying mechanism. The highest content of phenolics and antioxidants were found in both seed and peel extracts. The HPLC-ESI/MS-MS revealed identification of flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanin glycosides, lignans, stilbenes, and coumarins. The cytotoxicity effects were evaluated by MTT assay against prostate, breast and cervical (HeLa) and Vero cell lines. The seed and peel extracts showed remarkable cytotoxic effect against all tested cell lines. Moreover, the selectivity index confirmed high selectivity of pitaya extracts to cancer cells and safety on normal cells. The combined therapy with Cisplatin effectively enhanced its efficacy and optimized the treatment outcomes, through the apoptotic ability of pitaya extracts in HeLa cells, as evaluated by flow cytometry. Besides, RT-PCR and western blotting analysis showed downregulation of Bcl-2 and overexpression of P53, BAX among HeLa cells treated with pitaya extracts, which eventually activated apoptosis process. Thus, pitaya extract could be used as adjuvant therapy with cisplatin for treatment of cervical cancer. Furthermore, in-vivo extensive studies on the seed and peel extracts, and their compounds are recommended to gain more clarification about the required dose, and side effects.

Acetogenins-Rich Fractions of Annona coriacea Suppress Human Glioblastoma Viability and Migration by Regulating Necroptosis and MMP-2 Activity In Vitro

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an incurable primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis. Resection, radiation therapy, and temozolomide (TMZ) are insufficient to increase survival, making the treatment limited. Thus, the search for more effective and specific treatments is essential, making plants a promising source for elucidating new anti-glioblastoma compounds. Accordingly, this study investigated the effects of four fractions of hexane and ethyl acetate extract of Annona coriacea Mart., enriched with acetogenins, against GBM cell lines. All four fractions were selectively cytotoxic to GBM cells when compared to TMZ. Moreover, A. coriacea fractions delayed cell migration; reduced cytoplasmic projections, the metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) activity; and induced morphological changes characteristic of necroptosis, possibly correlated with the increase in receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 and 3 (RIP-1 and RIP-3), apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and the non-activation of cleaved caspase 8. The present findings reinforce that fractions of A. coriacea Mart. should be considered for more studies focusing treatment of GBM.

Soursop (Annona muricata) Properties and Perspectives for Integral Valorization

The increased international interest in the properties of soursop (Annona muricata) alerts us to the sustainability of productive chain by-products, which are rich in phytochemicals and other properties justifying their industrial application in addition to reducing the environmental impact and generating income. Chemical characteristics of soursop by-products are widely known in the scientific community; this fruit has several therapeutic effects, especially its leaves, enabling it to be used by the pharmaceutical industry. Damaged and non-standard fruits (due to falling and crushing) (30-50%), seeds (3-8.5%), peels (7-20%), and leaves, although they constitute discarded waste, can be considered as by-products. There are other less cited parts of the plant that also have phytochemical components, such as the columella and the epidermis of the stem and root. Tropical countries are examples of producers where soursop is marketed as fresh fruit or frozen pulp, and the valorization of all parts of the fruit could represent important environmental and economic perspectives. Based on the chemical composition of the fruit as well as its by-products and leaves, this work discusses proposals for the valorization of these materials. Soursop powder, bioactive compounds, oil, biochar, biodiesel, bio-oil, and other products based on published studies are presented in this work, offering new ideas for opportunities for the regions and consumers that produce soursop.

A network pharmacological approach to reveal the multidrug resistance reversal and associated mechanisms of acetogenins against colorectal cancer

Multidrug Resistance (MDR) in tumors is caused by the over-expression of ATP Binding Cassette transporter proteins such as Multidrug Resistance Protein 1 and Breast Cancer Resistance Protein 1. This in silico study focuses on identifying a MDR inhibitor among acetogenins (AGEs) of Annona muricata and also aims at predicting colorectal cancer (CRC) core targets of AGEs through a network pharmacological approach. Twenty-four AGEs were initially screened for their ADME properties. Molecular interaction studies were performed with the two proteins MRP1 and BCRP1. As the structure of MRP1 was not available, an inward-facing conformation of MRP1 was modeled. A Protein-protein interaction network was constructed for the correlating targets of CRC. KEGG pathway and Gene Ontology analysis were performed for the predicted CRC targets. We identified four lead AGEs: Muricatocin B, Annonacinone, Annonacin A and Annomuricin E having a higher binding affinity towards MDR proteins. MD simulation studies performed with the three lead AGEs and the MDR proteins showed that MRP1(DBD): Annomuricin E complex was stable throughout the simulation. Our analysis revealed ABCG2, ERBB2, STAT3, AR, SRC and ABCC1 as CRC targets of the lead molecules. The top 10 signaling pathways and functions of correlative CRC targets were also predicted. We conclude that the identified lead molecules might act as competitive inhibitors for reversing MDR in CRC. Additionally, network pharmacological studies established the correlative CRC targets and their mechanisms of action. Further experimental studies are needed to validate our findings. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

A Review on Annona muricata and Its Anticancer Activity

Simple Summary

Cancer is becoming more prevalent, raising concerns regarding how well current treatments work. Cancer patients frequently seek alternative treatments to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The use of medicinal plants in both preventative and curative healthcare is widely acknowledged. The compounds of graviola have shown promise as possible cancer-fighting agents and could be used to treat cancer. This review discusses bioactive metabolites present in graviola and their role in affecting the growth and death of different cancer cell types and the molecular mechanism of how it works to downregulate anti-apoptotic genes and the genes involved in pro-cancer metabolic pathways. Also, it reviews how simultaneously increasing the expression of genes promotes apoptosis and causes cancer cells to die so that the active phytochemicals found in graviola could be used as a promising anti-cancer agent.

Abstract

The ongoing rise in the number of cancer cases raises concerns regarding the efficacy of the various treatment methods that are currently available. Consequently, patients are looking for alternatives to traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy as a replacement. Medicinal plants are universally acknowledged as the cornerstone of preventative medicine and therapeutic practices. Annona muricata is a member of the family Annonaceae and is familiar for its medicinal properties. A. muricata has been identified to have promising compounds that could potentially be utilized for the treatment of cancer. The most prevalent phytochemical components identified and isolated from this plant are alkaloids, phenols, and acetogenins. This review focuses on the role of A. muricata extract against various types of cancer, modulation of cellular proliferation and necrosis, and bioactive metabolites responsible for various pharmacological activities along with their ethnomedicinal uses. Additionally, this review highlights the molecular mechanism of the role of A. muricata extract in downregulating anti-apoptotic and several genes involved in the pro-cancer metabolic pathways and decreasing the expression of proteins involved in cell invasion and metastasis while upregulating proapoptotic genes and genes involved in the destruction of cancer cells. Therefore, the active phytochemicals identified in A. muricata have the potential to be employed as a promising anti-cancer agent.

Biochemical Studies on the Colorectal Tissues of Wistar Rats Treated with Methanol Leaf and Stem Bark Extracts of Annona muricata (Soursop)

Annona muricata (AMC), is a tropical plant species of the Annonaceae family known for its medicinal uses in ameliorating and/or protecting several organs and tissues in the body. In this study we elucidated the influence of the methanol extracts of AMC leaf and stem bark on the biochemical and histological integrity of the colorectum. Different doses (100, 200, 400, 600, and 800mg of extract/kg body weight) of methanol extracts of the leaves and stembark were orally administered to adult male Wistar rats of average weight (100 - 150 g) for 28 days. At the end of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and colorectal tissues harvested for analyses. Adenosine triphosphatase (ATPases), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activities, and tissue protein (TP) concentration, were evaluated by colorimetric method using appropriate test kits. The results in the colorectal tissue analysed showed that total ATPase, LDH and G6PD (energy markers) activities increased significantly in the groups which received methanol leaf and stem bark extracts of AMC when compared with control. However, a general decrease was observed in TP and Na+/K+-ATPase activity but there was a twist in Na+/K+-ATPase activity in stem bark doses of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg which showed significant increases in dose dependent manner when compared with the control. Even though G6PD activity showed fluctuating patterns for both extracts, the highest dose (800mg/kg) reflected the most significant increase when compared with the control. The histology confirmed the toxicological results by the biochemical parameters. Under the condition of this study, we inferred that the methanol leaf and stem-bark extracts of AMC may significantly influence the enzymes by reducing and increasing total ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase activities depending on the doses and administration should therefore depend on the desired outcome.

Antibreast cancer activities of phytochemicals from Anonna muricata using computer-aided drug design (CADD) approach

Antibreast cancer activities of 131 phytochemicals from Annona muricata (Soursop) were investigated against human placental aromatase (PDB ID: 3S7S), a prominent target receptor in breast cancer therapy using computer aided-drug design approach. An antibreast cancer drug (tamoxifen) was used for comparison. The result of this work flourishes caffeoquinic acid (−8.4 kcal/mol), roseoside (−8.3 kcal/mol), chlorogenic acid (−8.2 kcal/mol), feruloylglycoside (−8.1 kcal/mol), citroside A (−8.0 kcal/mol), and coreximine (−7.8 kcal/mol), as probable inhibitors of human placental aromatase. This is due to their excellent binding affinities (ΔG), coupled with outstanding druglike, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity profiles, bioavailability and oral-bioavailability properties, and the interactions of important residues with the active pocket of human placental aromatase. All the results obtained were similar to that of the standards tamoxifen (−8.0 kcal/mol) but could be better when optimized. Thus, lead optimization, molecular dynamics, and in vivo investigations are thereby recommended on the identified potent compounds in the quest of developing new therapeutic agents against breast cancer.

Dereplication of Acetogenins from Annona muricata by Combining Tandem Mass Spectrometry after Lithium and Copper Postcolumn Cationization and Molecular Networks

Annonaceous acetogenins are natural products held responsible for atypical Parkinsonism due to chronic consumption in traditional medicine or as food, leading to the development of analytical strategies for their complete chemical characterization in complex mixtures. Characterization by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of acetogenins using collision-induced dissociation from lithium adducts provides additional structural information compared to protonated or sodiated species such as ketone location on the acetogenin backbone. However, very low intensity diagnostic ions together with the lack of extensive structural information regarding position of OH and THF substituents limit this approach. Copper adducts led to diagnostic fragment ions that allow us to identify the position of oxygen rings and hydroxyl substituents. Fragmentation rules were established on the basis of acetogenin standards allowing the identification of 45 over the 77 analogues observed in an extract of Annona muricata by LC-MS/MS using postcolumn infusion of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) solution. Molecular networks that were generated thanks to specific fragmentations obtained with copper led to the distinction of THF ring position or to the identification of hydroxylated lactone, for instance.

Current Situation and Perspectives of Fruit Annonaceae in Mexico: Biological and Agronomic Importance and Bioactive Properties

The Annonaceae family is one of the oldest angiosperms. The genus Annona is the one with the most species and, together with Asimina, the only ones that contain edible fruits. In the last 10 years, interest in these fruit species has increased, mainly due to their nutritional properties and their application in the treatment of human diseases. Mexico is the center of origin for most of them. However, at present much of the basic agronomic information, postharvest handling of the fruits, and their potential as new crops for areas with poor soils in organic matter or semi-dry climates is unknown. It is considered that these custard apple species may be an option to change towards instead of crops that have lost profitability and sustainability. A review of the current state of knowledge in different areas of the species A. muricata, A. macroprophyllata, A. reticulata, A. squamosa, and A. cherimola was carried out and to focus research efforts on the topics of greatest interest and on those where is required to achieve a sustainable production and use of these resources in Mexico. However, knowledge about the cultivation and potential uses of these species is needed to increase their commercialization; the integration of interdisciplinary and interinstitutional groups is required.

Therapeutic Role of Annona muricata Fruit and Bee Venom Against MNU-Induced Breast Cancer in Pregnant Rats and its Complications on the Ovaries

AIM

To evaluate the potential therapeutic role of Annona muricata (graviola) fruit and bee venom (BV) against N-methylnitrosourea (MNU)-induced breast cancer in pregnant female rats and complications in the ovaries.

METHODS

A total of 24 female rats were induced with a single dose of MNU (50 mg/kg body weight). After confirmation of positive tumor marker, female rats were placed with the males for mating. The pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): MNU-induced only (group 1), MNU-induced rats and supplemented with A. muricata 200 mg/kg diet (group 2), MNU-induced and treated with two doses of BV 75 μg/kg (group 3), and MNU-induced and treated with both A. muricata and BV (group 4).

RESULTS

In group 1, the breast tissue of mothers revealed pronounced cellular hyperplasia and histopathological signs. Also, the ovarian tissue of mothers and their offspring displayed deleterious histological changes. In groups 2 and 4, histopathological signs and cellular hyperplasia markedly disappeared in breast tissue. However, the histopathological signs induced by MNU in the ovarian tissue reversed to normal in groups 2-4. Also in groups 2-4, levels of serum MMP1, NFκB, and TNFα significantly decreased, and serum caspase 3 significantly increased either in mother rats or their offspring compared to the MNU-alone group. Levels of serum MDA significantly decreased; however, levels of serum antioxidants (CAT and SOD) significantly increased in all groups 2-4 compared to MNU-alone group.

CONCLUSION

A. muricata has a more powerful therapeutic role than BV against MNU-induced breast cancer in rats; however, both have a powerful ameliorative role against ovarian histopathological alterations induced by MNU. Such ameliorative effects of A. muricata and BV are mainly attributed to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative constituents.

A new N-oxide benzylisoquinoline alkaloid isolated from the leaves of atemoya (Annona cherimola × Annona squamosa)

Phytochemical investigation of the atemoya aerial parts was carried out by LC-MS-IT and cytotoxic activities were evaluated as well. These results led to the identification of a new N-oxide alkaloid (dehydroanomuricine-N-oxide) and eight other alkaloids: scoulerine, reticuline, isocorydine, norisocorydine, asimilobine, nornuciferine, anonaine, and liriodenine. The new alkaloid dehydroanomuricine-N-oxide and anomuricine were also isolated. The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The cytotoxic capacity of crude methanolic extract and the alkaloidal fraction were evaluated, showing moderate cytotoxicity. The isolation and identification of these alkaloids are an important contribution to the chemotaxonomy of the genus Annona and the Annonaceae family.

Nutritional, phytochemical, and in vitro anticancer potential of sugar apple (Annona squamosa) fruits

In plants, Fruits and their wastes are the main sources of bioactive compounds. Currently, Annona fruits have attracted the attention of people interested in health-promoting foods due to their phytochemical content that their activities were not studied before. This study aimed to explore the potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and in vitro anticancer activity of two cultivars Annona squamosa (Annona b. and Annona h.) seed, peel, and pulp. We also meausred phenolic, flavonoid, sulfated polysaccharide, tannins, and triterpenoids. Polyphenol identification was determined using RP-HPLC. Results of the antioxidant activity revealed that the highest activity was observed for Annona h. seed extract using DPPH and ABTS assays with IC₅₀ 6.07 ± 0.50 and 9.58 ± 0.53 µg/ml, respectively. The antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic strains revealed that the peel extracts of both Annona b. and Annona h. exhibited the best antimicrobial activity. We also assessed the IC₅₀ values for anticancer activity in all six Annona b. and Annona h samples against four cancer cell lines colon (Caco-2), prostate (PC3), liver (HepG-2), and breast (MCF-7) using MTT assay. Annona b. and Annona h seed extracts had the lowest IC₅₀ values for four cancer cell lines with 7.31 ± 0.03 and 15.99 ± 1.25 for PC-3 and MCF-7, respectively. Both seed extracts, Annona b. and Annona h., showed significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of Bcl-2 and up-regulated p53 in all treated cell lines. Apoptosis was evaluated using nuclear staining, flow cytometric analysis, and immunohistochemistry of the proliferation marker (Ki-67). Additional studies are required to characterize the bioactive compounds responsible for the observed activities of Annona seed and determine its mechanism as an anticancer drug.

In vitro evaluation of Annona muricata L. (Soursop) leaf methanol extracts on inhibition of tumorigenicity and metastasis of breast cancer cells

PURPOSE

The present study evaluates the in-vitro anti-tumorigenic potential of leaf methanol extracts of Annona muricata (LMAM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cytotoxic activity was assessed in MCF-7 cells by MTT assay at various concentrations ranging from 25-250µg/mL. MCF-7 cells were treated with 50 and 100 µg/mL LMAM for 24 h. To detect LMAM-induced apoptosis; Hoescht 33342 staining along with Cell cycle analysis, Annexin-PI probe as well as oxidative stress damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements were determined using flow cytometric analysis. While caspase-3 expression levels were studied employing the qRT-PCR method.

RESULTS

LMAM exhibited significant inhibition of MCF-7 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 85.55 µg/mL. Hoescht staining showed marked morphological features characteristic of apoptosis in LMAM treated cells. Cell cycle analysis confirmed the proven capability of LMAM showing a 30% rise in G₁ phase upon treatment with 100 µg/mL LMAM, thus inducing cell cycle arrest at G₁ phase and a rise in sub G₀-G₁ population paralleled with a decrease in S phase. Flow cytometric analysis with Annexin V-FITC-PI staining indicated an increase in the early and late apoptotic population with a 3.38% and 19.47% rise respectively when treated with 100 µg/mL LMAM. Treatment with 100 µg/mL LMAM caused an increase in intracellular ROS with MFI value 3334.08. Upregulation of caspase-3 was observed with a 2.18 and 32.47 fold increase compared to control in MCF-7 cells cultured at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL LMAM respectively suggesting caspase-dependent apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

LMAM proved as a potent ethno-chemopreventive agent and a potential lead in cancer treatment attributable to the synergistic interactive properties of phytoconstituents.

Biochemical investigation of the upstream anti-sickling mechanisms of soursop (Annona muricata): 15-acetyl guanacone as an inhibitor of deoxyhaemoglobin polymerisation

Current sickle cell disease (SCD) therapies are limited and inefficient. The ethnomedicinal values of Annona muricata in the treatment of SCD, leading to this present research. Leaves and fruits of Annona muricata were processed using solvent extraction and partitioning; aqueous, chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions. In vitro (anti-oxidant and anti-sickling), in silico, quantitative (amino acids) and kinetic simulation experiments were done. 15-acetyl guanacone, was used, in silico against 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate (2, 3-BPG) mutase and deoxyhaemoglobin. The ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions better NO^● scavengers, iron-chelators and ferric reducing. In vitro unsickling (UT₅₀) had ethyl acetate = 5 h and methanol = 7 h. Chloroform fraction had EC₅₀ 1.00 mg/mL (EC₅₀ = 546 mg/mL) to 10.00 mg/mL (EC₅₀ = 99 mg/mL). EC₅₀ and IC₅₀ of ethyl acetate fraction had steady-decrease. At higher concentration, chloroform fraction had higher Bmax (1.48 × 10²¹ U/mL) and higher Kd (3.66 × 10¹⁹ mg/mL), whereas, at a lower concentration, the ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated higher Bmax (7.23 × 10¹² U/mL) and lower Kd (2.12 × 10¹¹ mg/mL); The relative affinity (BP) of chloroform fraction increased progressively with concentration. The amino acid profile revealed rich concentrations glycine, valine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, histidine, arginine, and tryptophan. From the in silico experiments, 15-acetyl guanacone specifically targeted the A and B chains, with greater affinity for the beta subunit. This suggested that 15-acetyl guanacone might be able to prevent the polymerisation of deoxyHbSS, induce an allosteric conformational change that increases the oxygen affinity, and decrease the cellular 2, 3-BPG concentration.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Edible Coating Based on Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Mucilage Applied to Soursop Fruits in Postharvest Storage

The soursop fruit (Annona muricata L.) is a crop of significant economic value for Nayarit, which is characterized by having a bittersweet taste, making it attractive to the consumer. However, the soursop has rapid maturation which causes a short shelf life. Several postharvest management techniques have been applied to reduce its metabolic processes, such as refrigeration, use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), and controlled and modified atmospheres. In recent years, polysaccharide-based coatings have been applied to fruits. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to evaluate the physicochemical and biochemical changes, as well as the antioxidant activity of soursop fruits with a mucilage-based coating (2%), stored at 22°C and 15°C with a 90% RH. Weight loss, firmness, color, soluble solids, acidity, pH, phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The results obtained in the coated fruits stored at 15°C showed lower weight loss (6.4%), lower firmness (29.7 N), higher TSS concentration (10.4°Bx), and lower acidity (0.38%) compared with the uncoated fruits. The total phenolic content decreased in coated fruits stored at 22°C (54.3 mg EGA/100 g FW). The highest antioxidant activity (DPPH method) was recorded in fruits coated and stored at 15°C with an average value of 257.9 mg EAA/100 g FW. Moreover, a high concentration of vitamin C was observed in fruits coated and stored at 15°C and 22°C (20.5 and 17.5 mg EAA/100 g FW), concluding that the coating based on roselle mucilage (2%) in combination with a temperature of 15°C prevents weight loss, decreases titratable acidity, and increases the content of phenols and vitamin C. Furthermore, an increase in the shelf life up to eight days and in the antioxidant activity at the maturity of consumption was observed in the fruits coated with 2% roselle mucilage stored at 15°C.

Bioguided Fractionation, and Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Annona cacans Warm

This study evaluated to determine the phenolic and flavonoids contents, and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activity of the hydromethanolic extracts of the leaves, pulp, and seeds of Annona cacans. The isolation and structural identification of the constituent acetogenin, phenolic acid, and flavonoids were also reported. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), and β-carotene/linoleic acid methods. Cell proliferation was determined by spectrophotometric quantification of the cellular protein content using a sulforhodamine B assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in paw edema model, to myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity induced by carrageenan in mice. Fractionation resulted in the isolation of one acetogenin (annoreticuin-9-one), two flavonoids (quercetin-3-O-β-glucoside-6-O-α-rhamnoside and kaempferol-3-O-β-glucoside), and one phenolic acid (p-coumaric acid). The pulp extract presented potent antioxidant activities by the DPPH (IC₅₀ = 44.08 μg/mL) and ABTS (IC₅₀ = 39.32 μg/mL) methods, as well as high contents of phenols (618.95 mg GA/g) and flavonoids (477.35 mg QE/g). The bioguided fractionation demonstrated that the ethyl acetate fraction of the pulp extract and annoreticuin-9-one showed potent antiproliferative activity against ovarian cancer (GI₅₀ = 6.4 μg/mL). The anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated significant inhibition of edema compared to the control group in 2 and 4 h; in addition, the extracts inhibited the increase in MPO activity after 6 h, when compared to the DEX and control groups. For the first time, this study demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activity, as well as compounds isolated, suggesting that A. cacans could also be potential sources for prevention of cancer and other diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Antiproliferative activity of ionic liquid-graviola fruit extract against human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines using flow cytometry techniques

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Medicinal plants have been used for ages by indigenous communities around the world to help humankind sustain its health. Graviola (Annona muricata), also called soursop, is a member of the Annonaceae family and is an evergreen plant that is generally distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Graviola tree has a long history of traditional use due to its therapeutic potential including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, insecticide and cytotoxic to tumor cells.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antiproliferative effects and apoptotic events of the ionic liquid extract of Graviola fruit (IL-GFE) on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and their cytokinetics behaviour to observe their potential as a therapeutic alternative in cancer treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cell viability assay of the extract was measured using tetrazolium bromide (MTT assay) to observe the effects of Graviola fruit extract. Then the cytokinetics behaviour of MCF-7 cells treated with IL-GFE is observed by plotting the growth curve of the cells. Additionally, the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis mechanism of IL-GFE action on MCF-7 cancer cells were observed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

IL-GFE exhibited anti-proliferative activity on MCF-7 with the IC50 value of 4.75 μg/mL, compared to Taxol with an IC50 value of 0.99 μg/mL. IL- GFE also reduced the number of cell generations from 3.71 to 1.67 generations compared to 2.18 generations when treated with Taxol. Furthermore, the anti-proliferative activities were verified when the growth rate was decreased dynamically from 0.0077 h to 1 to 0.0035 h-1. Observation of the IL-GFE-treated MCF-7 under microscope demonstrated detachment of cells and loss of density. The growth inhibition of the cells by extracts was associated with cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, and phosphatidylserine externalisation confirms the anti-proliferation through apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

ionic liquid Graviola fruit extract affect the cytokinetics behaviour of MCF-7 cells by reducing cell viability, induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase.