Chemical Composition and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Essential Oil of Leaves of Malus domestica Growing in Western Himalaya (India)

Oxidative stress promotes cytotoxicity in human cancer cell lines exposed to Escallonia spp. extracts

BACKGROUND

Standard cancer treatments show a lack of selectivity that has led to the search for new strategies against cancer. The selective elimination of cancer cells modulating the redox environment, known as "selective oxycution", has emerged as a viable alternative. This research focuses on characterizing the unexplored Escallonia genus plant extracts and evaluating their potential effects on cancer's redox balance, cytotoxicity, and activation of death pathways.

METHODS

36 plant extracts were obtained from 4 different species of the Escallonia genus (E. illinita C. Presl, E. rubra (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers., E. revoluta (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers., and E. pulverulenta (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.), which were posteriorly analyzed by their phytoconstituents, antioxidant capacity, and GC-MS. Further, redox balance assays (antioxidant enzymes, oxidative damage, and transcription factors) and cytotoxic effects (SRB, ∆Ψmt, and caspases actives) of those plant extracts were analyzed on four cell lines (HEK-293T, MCF-7, HT-29, and PC-3).

RESULTS

36 plant extracts were obtained, and their phytoconstituents and antioxidant capacity were established. Further, only six extracts had EC50 values < 10 µg*mL- 1, indicating high toxicity against the tested cells. From those, two plant extracts were selective against different cancer cell lines: the hexane extract of E. pulverulenta´s stem was selective for HT-29, and the ethyl acetate extract of E. rubra´s stem was selective for PC-3. Both extracts showed unbalanced redox effects and promoted selective cell death.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study proving "selective oxycution" induced by Chilean native plant extracts.

Evaluation of immunological adjuvant activities of saponin rich fraction from the fruits of Asparagus adscendens Roxb. with less adverse reactions

The hemolytic activity, in vitro as well as in vivo toxicity, and immunomodulatory potential of saponins-rich fraction of Asparagus adscendens Roxb. fruit (AA-SRF) have been assessed in this study in order to explore AA-SRF as an alternative safer adjuvant to standard Quil-A saponin. The AA-SRF showed lower hemolytic activity (HD₅₀ = 301.01 ± 1.63 µg/ml) than Quil-A (HD₅₀ = 17.15 ± 2.12 µg/ml). The sulforhodamine B assay also revealed that AA-SRF was less toxic to VERO cells (IC₅₀≥200 ± 4.32 µg/ml) than Quil-A (IC₅₀ = 60 ± 2.78 µg/ml). The AA-SRF did not lead to mortality in mice up to 1.6 mg and was much safer than Quil-A for in vivo use. Conversely, mice were subcutaneously immunized with OVA 100 μg alone or along with Alum (200 μg) or Quil-A (10 μg) or AA-SRF (50 μg/100 μg/200 μg) on days 0 and 14. The AA-SRF at 100 μg dose best supported the LPS/Con A primed splenocyte proliferation activity, elevated the serum OVA-specific total IgG antibody, IL-12, CD4 titer and upsurged CD3/CD19 expression in spleen as well as lymph node sections which in turn advocated its adjuvant potential. Thus, AA-SRF can be further studied for use as a safe alternative adjuvant in vaccines.

Safety Assessment of Apple-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 26 apple-derived ingredients, which reportedly function mostly as skin conditioning agents in cosmetic products. Because apple-derived ingredients may be obtained from different apple cultivars, the composition of ingredients derived from different cultivars should be similar to that of ingredients reviewed in this safety assessment. Additionally, industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities that could be present in botanical ingredients. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients and concluded that 21 of these ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentrations described in this safety assessment. However, the Panel also determined that the available data are insufficient to determine the safety of Pyrus Malus (Apple) Root Extract, Pyrus Malus (or Malus Domestica) (Apple) Stem Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Callus Extract, and Malus Domestica (Apple) Oil.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Enzyme Inhibitory, and Anticancer Activities and Chemical Composition of Alpinia galanga Flower Essential Oil

Alpinia galanga is widely cultivated for its essential oil (EO), which has been used in cosmetics and perfumes. Previous studies of A. galanga focussed mostly on the rhizome but seldom on the flower. Therefore, this study was designed to identify the chemical composition of A. galanga flower EO and firstly estimate its antioxidant, antibacterial, enzyme inhibitory, and anticancer activities. According to the results of the gas chromatography with flame ionization or mass selective detection (GC-FID/MS) analysis, the most abundant component of the EO was farnesene (64.3%), followed by farnesyl acetate (3.6%), aceteugenol (3.2%), eugenol (3.1%), E-nerolidol (2.9%), decyl acetate (2.4%), octyl acetate (2.0%), sesquirosefuran (1.9%), (E)-β-farnesene (1.7%), and germacrene D (1.5%). For the bioactivities, the EO exhibited moderate DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging effects with IC50 values of 138.62 ± 3.07 μg/mL and 40.48 ± 0.49 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the EO showed strong-to-moderate antibacterial activities with various diameter of inhibition zone (DIZ) (8.79−14.32 mm), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) (3.13−6.25 mg/mL), and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) (6.25−12.50 mg/mL) values against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Proteus vulgaris. Interestingly, the EO possessed remarkable α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 = 0.16 ± 0.03 mg/mL), which was equivalent to that of the positive control acarbose (IC50 = 0.15 ± 0.01 mg/mL) (p > 0.05). It showed moderate tyrosinase inhibition (IC50 = 0.62 ± 0.09 mg/mL) and weak inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) (IC50 = 2.49 ± 0.24 mg/mL) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (IC50 = 10.14 ± 0.59 mg/mL). Furthermore, the EO exhibited considerable selective cytotoxicity to K562 cells (IC50 = 41.55 ± 2.28 μg/mL) and lower cytotoxicity to non-cancerous L929 cells (IC50 = 120.54 ± 8.37 μg/mL), and it induced K562 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, A. galanga flower EO could be regarded as a bioactive natural product with great application potential in the pharmaceutical field.

Essential oils as anticancer agents: Potential role in malignancies, drug delivery mechanisms, and immune system enhancement

Cancer retains a central place in fatality rates among the wide variety of diseases known world over, and the conventional synthetic medicaments, albeit used until now, produce numerous side effects. As a result, newer, better, and safer alternatives such as natural plant products, are gravely required. Essential oils (EOs) offer a plethora of bioactivities including antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, therefore, the use of EOs in combination with synthetic drugs or aromatherapy continues to be popular in many settings. In view of the paramount importance of EOs and their potential bioactivities, this review summarizes the current knowledge on the interconnection between EOs and cancer treatment. In particular, the current review presents an updated summary of the chemical composition of EOs, their current applications in cancer treatments based on clinical studies, and the mechanism of action against the cancer cell lines. Similarly, an overview of using EOs in aromatherapy and enhancing immunity during cancer treatment is provided. Further, this review focuses on the recent technological advancements such as the loading of EOs using protein microspheres, ligands, or nanoemulsions/nanoencapsulation, which offer multiple benefits in cancer treatment via site-specific and target-oriented delivery of drugs. The continuing clinical studies of EOs implicate that their pharmacological applications are a rewarding research area.

Anticancer activity of Mandragora autumnalis: an in vitro and in vivo study

Ethanol crude extract and four solvent fractions were extracted from M. autumnalis leave to evaluate their anticancer effect in both models: in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro assessments were conducted using the MTT method in five cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. Ethanol extract and n-hexane fraction showed antitumor activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells with IC₅₀ values of 0.1 and 0.4 mg/ml, respectively, and low cytotoxicity against normal VERO cell line (IC₅₀ value &gt; 4 mg/ml). Furthermore, expression levels of VEGF were tested in MCF-7 cells treated with M. autumnalis using Human VEGF Simple Step ELISA Kit. The results indicated downregulation of VEGF expression in the treated cells compared to the control group. Additionally, the LD₅₀ of M. autumnalis ethanol extract was calculated by applying an acute toxicity assay. Balb/C mice were inoculated with EMT6/p breast cancer cells and then treated with (137 mg/kg/day intraperitoneal injection) of ethanol extract for ten days. Interestingly, a significant (p &lt; 0.001) reduction occurred in the tumor size of the treated group comparing to the control. Treatment in vivo toxicity was evaluated by measuring liver and kidney parameters. The tumor-bearing mice treated with the M. autumnalis extract showed normal serum level of AST, ALT, and creatinine. The results indicate that M. autumnalis has antitumor properties in both models in vitro and in vivo. However, further molecular investigation is required to understand the molecular bearings of M. autumnalis’ activity.

Authentication Using Volatile Composition: A Proof-of-Concept Study on the Volatile Profiles of Fourteen Queensland Ciders

Although relatively small, the Australian cider industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. One of the current challenges in the industry is the lack of research specific to Australian ciders. Establishing baseline volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of Australian cider is paramount to developing a better understanding of the industry. This understanding may ultimately be utilized for both the categorization and authentication of existing ciders, and the targeted modification of cider volatiles for the development and improvement of cider quality. This study utilized gas chromatography, coupled with mass spectrometry, to identify key VOCs present in 14 ciders sourced from four different manufacturers in Queensland, Australia. A total of 40 VOCs were identified across the ciders, with significant variation depending on the flavor and manufacturer. Principal component analysis indicated that the ciders were well-separated based on the manufacturer, supporting the prospect of using the volatile composition to discriminate between cider manufacturers. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis highlighted the commonalities and differences in cider composition between different manufacturers, which may be indicative of the varying ingredients and manufacturing processes used to create the ciders. Future studies profiling the volatile composition of larger numbers of Australian ciders are recommended to support the use of this analytical technique for authentication purposes. Likewise, exploration of the relationship between specific processes and VOCs is recommended to fortify an understanding of how to optimize cider production to improve consumer satisfaction.

Therapeutic Potential of Volatile Terpenes and Terpenoids from Forests for Inflammatory Diseases

Forest trees are a major source of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Terpenes and terpenoids are known as the main BVOCs of forest aerosols. These compounds have been shown to display a broad range of biological activities in various human disease models, thus implying that forest aerosols containing these compounds may be related to beneficial effects of forest bathing. In this review, we surveyed studies analyzing BVOCs and selected the most abundant 23 terpenes and terpenoids emitted in forested areas of the Northern Hemisphere, which were reported to display anti-inflammatory activities. We categorized anti-inflammatory processes related to the functions of these compounds into six groups and summarized their molecular mechanisms of action. Finally, among the major 23 compounds, we examined the therapeutic potentials of 12 compounds known to be effective against respiratory inflammation, atopic dermatitis, arthritis, and neuroinflammation among various inflammatory diseases. In conclusion, the updated studies support the beneficial effects of forest aerosols and propose their potential use as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for treating various inflammatory diseases.

Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Activities of Macrosphyra Longistyla (DC) Hiern Relevant in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease

Macrosphyra longistyla has been used in many traditional systems of medicine for its anti-hemorrhagic, antidiabetic, anti-ulcer, and anti-diarrhea properties. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitions of the crude methanol extracts and its various partitioned fractions were determined by a modified method of Ellman. An evaluation of the antioxidant activity was carried out using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, ferric reducing power, and nitric oxide scavenging assays. The total flavonoids were estimated based on the aluminum chloride method, while the total tannins and phenolics were estimated based on the vanillin-HCl and Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity, and the highest ferric reducing power with a concentration providing 50% inhibition (IC₅₀) of 0.079 mg/mL and 0.078 mg/mL, respectively, while the crude methanol extract had the highest nitric oxide scavenging activity with an IC₅₀ of 0.008 mg/mL. The methanol extract had the highest phenolics and flavonoids contents, while the aqueous fraction had the highest tannin content. The crude methanol extract had the best AChE and BuChE inhibitory action, with an IC₅₀ of 0.556 µg/mL and 5.541 µg/mL, respectively, suggesting that the plant had a better AChE inhibiting potential. A moderate correlation was observed between the phenolic content and DPPH radical scavenging, NO radical scavenging, and AChE inhibitory activities (r² = 0.439, 0.430, and 0.439, respectively), while a high correlation was seen between the flavonoid content and these activities (r² = 0.695, 0.724, and 0.730, respectively), and the ferric reducing antioxidant power correlated highly with the proautocyanidin content (r² = 0.801). Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) revealed decanoic acid methyl ester (24.303%), 11,14-eicosadienoic acid methyl ester (16.788%), linoelaidic acid (10.444%), pentadecanoic acid (9.300%), and 2-methyl-hexadecanal (9.285%). Therefore, we suggest that M. longistyla contain bioactive chemicals, and could be a good alternative for the management of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Curcuma raktakanda Induces Apoptosis and Suppresses Migration in Cancer Cells: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species

Although over 100 species of Curcuma are reported, only Curcuma longa is extensively studied. Curcuma raktakanda, a poorly studied species, is most commonly distributed in the Kerala state of India. For the first time, we examined the efficacy of different fractions (acetone, hexane, and ethyl acetate) of C. raktakanda against glioma, cervical, and breast cancer cell lines. As determined by mitochondrial reductase activity assay, the viability of cancer cells was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by the three fractions. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC-50) values after the treatment of C-6 glioma cells for 48 h was found to be 32.97 µg/mL (acetone extract), 40.63 µg/mL (hexane extract), and 51.65 µg/mL (ethyl acetate extract). Of the three fractions, the acetone fraction was more effective. The long-term colony formation of cancer cells was significantly suppressed by the acetone fraction. Analyses using DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining, AO/PI (acridine orange/propidium iodide) staining, DNA laddering, and sub-G1 population revealed that the acetone extract induced apoptosis in glioma cells. The extract induced reactive oxygen species generation and suppressed the expression of cell survival proteins. The migration of cancer cells was also suppressed by the acetone extract. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis indicated that tetracontane, dotriacontane, hexatriacontane, pentacosane, hexacosane, and eicosane are the major components in the acetone extract. Collectively, the extract from C. raktakanda exhibited anti-carcinogenic activities in cancer cells. We are exploring whether the phytoconstituents, individually, or collectively contribute to the anti-cancer activities of C. raktakanda.

Anthocyanins enriched purple tea exhibits antioxidant, immunostimulatory and anticancer activities

Purple coloured tea shoot clones have gained interest due to high content of anthocyanins in addition to catechins. Transcript expression of genes encoding anthocyanidin reductase (ANR), dihydroflavonol-4-reductase (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase (ANS), flavonol synthase (FLS) and leucoantho cyanidin reductase (LAR) enzymes in three new purple shoot tea clones compared with normal tea clone showed higher expression of CsDFR, CsANR, CsANS and lower expression of CsFLS and CsLAR in purple shoot clones compared to normal clone. Expression pattern supported high content of anthocyanins in purple tea. Four anthocyanins (AN_1-4) were isolated and characterized by UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS from IHBT 269 clone which recorded highest total anthocyanins content. Cyanidin-3-O-β-d-(6-(E)-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside (AN₂) showed highest in vitro antioxidant activity (IC_50 DPPH = 25.27 ± 0.02 μg/mL and IC_50 ABTS = 10.71 ± 0.01 μg/mL). Anticancer and immunostimulatory activities of cyanidin-3-glucoside (AN₁), cyanidin-3-O-β-d-(6-(E)-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside (AN₂), delphinidin-3-O-β-d-(6-(E)-coumaroyl) glucopyranoside (AN₃), cyanidin-3-O-(2-O-β-xylopyranosyl-6-O-acetyl)-β-glucopyranoside (AN₄) and crude anthocyanin extract (AN₅) showed high therapeutic perspective. Anthocyanins AN_1-4 and crude extract AN₅ showed cytotoxicity on C-6 cancer cells and high relative fluorescence units (RFU) at 200 μg/mL suggesting promising apoptosis induction activity as well as influential immunostimulatory potential. Observations demonstrate potential of purple anthocyanins enriched tea clone for exploitation as a nutraceutical product.

Complementary and alternative medicine use among cancer patients in Palestine with special reference to safety-related concerns

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The use of CAM including herbal medicine as the most preferred CAM modality, among cancer patients who are taking prescription medications has shown to be highly prevalent worldwide as well as in several Middle Eastern countries, with a high percentage of the patients do not disclose their CAM use to treating physician.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study aimed to evaluate the patterns of CAM use among two cohorts of cancer patients in Palestine over a three-year period, and to identify socio-demographic factors that are associated with CAM use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Across-sectional survey of patients attending outpatient cancer clinics. The method was based on a semi-structured questionnaire. In order to identify safety-related concerns associated with the products listed, a literature search was conducted using different databases (PubMed, Micromedex, AltMedDex, and the Natural Medicine Comprehensive Database).

RESULTS

In 472 cancer patients including 372 of the 2011 cohort; and 100 of the 2014 cohort, the overall prevalence of CAM use was 69.5%. CAM users were more likely to be ≤65 years old, village resident, being in the midst of chemotherapy, to have high interest spiritual quest, and to have no other chronic diseases. A significant number of CAM users reported using herbal preparations (98.3%, and 89.6% in the two study cohorts, respectively). In the current study, a total of 40 plant taxa belonging to 23 botanical families were reported by ≥3 cancer patients in the two cohort groups. The top most commonly used plant in the 2011 cohort group was Arum palaestinum (43.5%), while Ephedra foeminea emerged as the top most commonly utilized plant (from 0.0% in 2011 to 55.2% in the 2014 cohort), mainly due to a recent publicizing and portraying of the plant in the local media as an effective cancer herbal remedy. Safety-related concerns were associated with 33 (82.5%) herbs, including herb-drug interactions with altered pharmacokinetics (8, 20% herbs), direct toxic effects (16, 40% herbs), and increased in vitro response of cancer cells to chemotherapy (30, 75% herbs).

CONCLUSIONS

CAM use, especially herbal medicine in cancer is highly prevalent in Palestine. This study has demonstrated the role of the media on the emergence of new CAM herbal therapies among cancer patients in Palestine, and discussed its potential implications on patients and for oncologists who are treating them. Some of the most widely used herbal medicines by cancer patients in the present work are known to interact with conventional anticancer drugs. Hence, the disclosure of the use of herbal remedies by patients to health professionals with sufficient training in CAM use is important for the later in order to assess whether there are any possible herbal drug interactions and/or harmful drug reactions.

Reversed-phase high-performance Liquid Chromatography-ultraviolet Photodiode Array Detector Validated Simultaneous Quantification of six Bioactive Phenolic Acids in Roscoea purpurea Tubers and their In vitro Cytotoxic Potential against Various Cell Lines

BACKGROUND

Roscoea purpurea or Roscoea procera Wall. (Zingiberaceae) is traditionally used for nutrition and in the treatment of various ailments.

OBJECTIVE

Simultaneous reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (RP-HPLC) photodiode array detector identification of phenolic acids (PA's) was carried out in whole extract of tuber and their cytotoxic potential was estimated along with radical scavenging action. Bioactivity guided fractionation was also done to check the response potential against the same assay.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Identification and method validation was performed on RP-HPLC column and in vitro assays were used for bioactivity.

RESULTS

Protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, apigenin, and kaempferol were quantified as 0.774%, 0.064%, 0.265%, 1.125%, 0.128%, and 0.528%, respectively. Validated method for simultaneous determination of PA's was found to be accurate, reproducible, and linearity was observed between peak area response and concentration. Recovery of identified PA's was within the acceptable limit of 97.40-104.05%. Significant pharmacological response was observed in whole extract against in vitro cytotoxic assay, that is, Sulforhodamine B assay, however, fractionation results in decreased action potential. Similar pattern of results were observed in the antioxidant assay, as total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were highest in whole extract and decreases with fractionation. Radical scavenging activity was prominent in chloroform fraction, exhibiting IC50 at 0.25 mg/mL.

CONCLUSION

Study, thus, reveals that R. purpurea exhibit significant efficacy in cytotoxic activity with the potentiality of scavenging free radicals due the presence of PA's as reported through RP-HPLC.

SUMMARY

Proto-catechuic acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, rutin, apigenin and kaempferol were quantified as 0.774, 0.064, 0.265, 1.125, 0.128 and 0.528 %Preliminary cytotoxic activity revealed that whole extract of R. purpurea exhibit promising effect and after fractionation the potentiation of action reducesThe radical scavenging potential of whole extract and fractions are well reflected by TPC, TFC and DPPH assay.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Cytotoxicity of Essential Oils from Leaves and Flowers of Callistemon citrinus from Western Himalayas

Background

Plant-based traditional system of medicine continues to play an important role in healthcare. In order to find new potent source of bioactive molecules, we studied the cytotoxic activity of the essential oils from the flowers and leaves of Callistemon citrinus. This is the first report on anticancer potential of essential oils of C. citrinus.

Methods

Cytotoxicity of essential oil was evaluated using sulfo-rhodamine B (SRB) assay against human lung carcinoma (A549), rat glioma (C-6), human colon cancer (Colo-205) and human cervical cancer (SiHa) cells. Apoptosis induction was evaluated by caspase-3/7 activity which was further confirmed by western blotting. Percentage cell apoptosis was determined by Annexin V based dead cell assay followed by DNA content as cell cycle analysis against A549 and C-6 cells. While 3-(4,5-dimethythiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to check the toxicity against normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), the immunomodulatory activity on mouse splenocytes was evaluated using SRB assay.

Results

The GC and GC-MS analysis of these essential oils revealed high content of α-pinene (32.3%), limonene (13.1%) and α-terpineol (14.6%) in leaf sample, whereas the flower oil was dominated by 1,8-cineole (36.6%) followed by α-pinene (29.7%). The leaf oil contained higher amount of monoterpene hydrocarbons (52.1%) and sesquiterpenoids (14%) as compared to flower oil (44.6% and 1.2%, respectively). However, the flower oil was predominant in oxygenated monoterpenes (43.5%). Although both leaf and flower oils showed highest cytotoxicity on A549 cells (61.4%±5.0 and 66.7%±2.2, respectively), only 100 μg/mL flower oil was significantly active against C-6 cells (69.1%±3.1). Interestingly, no toxicity was recorded on normal cells.

Conclusion

Higher concentration of 1,8-cineole and/or synergistic effect of the overall composition were probably responsible for the efficacy of flower and leaf oils against the tested cells. These oils may form potential source of natural anti-cancer compounds and play important role in human health.

Anticancer activity of essential oils and their chemical components - a review

Essential oils are widely used in pharmaceutical, sanitary, cosmetic, agriculture and food industries for their bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, antiparasitical and insecticidal properties. Their anticancer activity is well documented. Over a hundred essential oils from more than twenty plant families have been tested on more than twenty types of cancers in last past ten years. This review is focused on the activity of essential oils and their components on various types of cancers. For some of them the mechanisms involved in their anticancer activities have been carried out.

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity Guided Essential Oil Composition of Flowering Twigs of Stevia rebaudiana

The essential oil extracted by hydrodistillation from the flowering twigs of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae) was fractioned by chromatography. Forty-three constituents were characterized with the help of GC, GC-MS and other spectroscopic techniques. The essential oil was found to be a complex mixture of mono- and sesqui-terpenes. The cytotoxicity of the essential oil and its fractions was evaluated by sulforhodamine B (SRB) based assay against two cancer cell types viz. C-6 (rat glioma cells) and CHOK1 (Chinese hamster ovary cells). The essential oil and its fractions showed promising cytotoxicity against both cell lines. The highest activity (95.6±0.6%) was show by the essential oil on the C-6 cell line at a concentration of 400 μg/mL, which was comparable with that of the standard drug vinblastin.

Zephgrabetaine: A New Betaine-type Amaryllidaceae Alkaloid from Zephyranthes grandiflora

Zephgrabetaine (1), a new betaine type Amaryllidaceae alkaloid, along with seven known alkaloids, lycorine, galanthine, lycoramine, hamayne, haemanthamine, tortuosine, and ungeremine were isolated from the bulbs of Zephyranthes grandiflora and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. The isolated alkaloids were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activities against two cell lines, C-6 (rat glioma cells) and CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary cells). A dose dependent cytotoxic effect was exhibited by all the alkaloids on these two cancer cell lines with prominent activity of lycorine and haemanthamine.

In vitro Cytotoxic and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oil From Satureja Intermedia

BACKGROUND

Many members of the genus Satureja have aromatic and medicinal characteristics. Objectives.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the present work was to determine cytotoxic activity of the essential oil of S. intermedia CA Mey (Lamiaceae) on two human cancerous cell lines and its in vitro inhibitory effects against 11 pathogenic bacteria and fungi as well.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by combination of capillary GC-FID and GC-MS. The in vitro toxicological study was based on the MTT cytotoxicity assay and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was studied according to the disc diffusion method and MIC value.

RESULTS

Thymol (34.5%), γ-terpinene (18.2%) and ρ-cymene (10.5%) were the main components of the essential oil. The toxicological study on 5637 and KYSE cell lines showed IC50 values of 156 μg/ml. The essential oil exhibited considerable antimicrobial activity on tested bacteria and fungi.

CONCLUSIONS

From the results of the present study, it may be concluded that the essential oil of S. intermedia and its major constitutes are interesting in antibacterial and anticancer applications.