Biological activities of extracts and compounds from Thai Kae-Lae (Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner)

Abstract

Background and aims The purpose of this study was to investigate the biological properties of Kae-Lae (Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner), a traditional medicinal plant used in Ayurvedic recipes in Thailand. To achieve this objective, heartwood samples were collected from 12 sources across Thailand. Fractional extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol) and the dominant compounds (morin, resveratrol, and quercetin) were examined for their abilities on cytotoxicity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antileukaemic activity (Wilms’ tumour 1 protein was used as a well-known biomarker for leukaemic cell proliferation). Methods The study used MTT to assess cytotoxicity in leukaemic cells (K562, EoL-1, and KG-1a). Antioxidant activities were evaluated using ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated by detecting IL-2, TNF-α, and NO using appropriate detection kits. Wilms’ tumour 1 protein expression was measured by Western blotting to determine the anti-leukaemic activity. The inhibition of cell migration was also analyzed to confirm anticancer progression. Results Among the tested extract fraction, ethyl acetate No. 001 displayed strong cytotoxicity specifically in EoL-1 cells, while n-hexane No. 008 demonstrated this effect in three cell lines. Resveratrol, on the other hand, displayed cytotoxicity in all the tested cells. Additionally, the three major compounds, morin, resveratrol, and quercetin, exhibited significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, resveratrol demonstrated a noteworthy decreased Wilms’ tumour 1 protein expression and a reduction in cell proliferation across all cells. Moreover, ethyl acetate No. 001, morin, and resveratrol effectively inhibited MCF-7 cell migration. None of these compounds showed any impact on red blood cell haemolysis. Conclusion Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Kae-Lae has promising chemotherapeutic potential against leukaemic cells, with fractional extracts (ethyl acetate and n-hexane) and resveratrol exhibiting the most potent cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cell migration activities.

Maclura cochinchinensis (Lour.) Corner Heartwood Extracts Containing Resveratrol and Oxyresveratrol Inhibit Melanogenesis in B16F10 Melanoma Cells

“…Chewchinda et al reported a yield of 18.99 ± 0.65% w / w after boiling dried heartwood powder in distilled water, followed by filtration and spray drying of the filtrate [ 13 ]. Furthermore, Rueankham et al determined that ethanol extraction produced the highest yields, ranging from 5.18% to 9.56% when examining the effects of solvents of varying polarities [ 16 ]. These outcomes highlight the crucial influence of solvent selection on the efficiency of extracting bioactive compounds from M. cochinchinensis heartwood, emphasizing the significance of strategic solvent choice to enhance yields.…”

“…The modest antioxidant activities observed in fractions FA and FM could potentially be explained by the considerable presence of impurities within these fractions. Nonetheless, the antioxidant efficacy of fraction FA is presumably derived from its constituents of resveratrol and oxyresveratrol, while the antioxidant capability observed in fraction FM is likely attributable to morin and a variety of flavonoids and xanthones [ 9 , 16 , 39 ]. The pronounced yellowish pigment observed in the fraction FM could potentially be attributed to morin, a predominant compound in the heartwood of M. cochinchinensis [ 16 ], known for its array of biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities [ 10 ].…”

“…Nonetheless, the antioxidant efficacy of fraction FA is presumably derived from its constituents of resveratrol and oxyresveratrol, while the antioxidant capability observed in fraction FM is likely attributable to morin and a variety of flavonoids and xanthones [ 9 , 16 , 39 ]. The pronounced yellowish pigment observed in the fraction FM could potentially be attributed to morin, a predominant compound in the heartwood of M. cochinchinensis [ 16 ], known for its array of biological properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities [ 10 ]. Furthermore, morin has been reported to stimulate melanin synthesis in B16F10 mouse melanoma cells through the activation of MAPK signaling pathways [ 40 ].…”

“…Found across several Asian countries, including China, Japan, and India, M. cochinchinensis is utilized in Thai traditional medicine for treating a range of conditions, from chronic fever and skin infections to diabetes and lymph node abnormalities [ 10 , 13 , 14 ]. The heartwood of this plant is rich in chemical constituents like morin, resveratrol, and oxyresveratrol, contributing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities [ 13 , 15 , 16 ]. The plant’s extracts, particularly from the heartwood, have also been demonstrated to exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities [ 17 , 18 ], suggesting potential use in cosmeceutical products.…”

Biological Application of the Allopathic Characteristics of the Genus Maclura: A Review

“…Thai culture has, for many years, included the use of M. cochinchinensis as a medicine against skin diseases, diarrhea, chronic fever, and lymph node abnormalities. In the cochinchinensis species, the presence of morin has been determined as one of the most abundant compounds, so its presence in Maclura suggests its high potential as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer source [70].…”