Inhibition of Caco-2 and HeLa proliferation by Terminalia carpentariae C. T. White and Terminalia grandiflora Benth. extracts: Identification of triterpenoid components

Abstract

Background: Terminalia spp. are characterised by their high antioxidant capacities and many have anticancer activity. This study examines the anti-proliferative activity of T. carpentariae leaf and T. grandiflora leaf, fruit and nut extracts against Caco-2 and HeLa carcinoma proliferation. Materials and Methods: Powdered T. carpentariae leaf and T. grandiflora leaf, fruit and nut were extracted and tested for anti-proliferative activity against Caco-2 and HeLa cancer cell lines using colorimetric cell proliferation assays. Toxicity was evaluated using an Artemia franciscana nauplii bioassay. The extract with the most potent anti-proliferative activity was examined using GC-MS analysis and triterpenoid compounds were identified by comparison with a compound database. Results: T. carpentariae leaf and T. grandiflora leaf, fruit and nut extracts displayed potent anti-proliferative activity against Caco-2 and HeLa carcinoma cells. The methanolic T. grandiflora leaf extract was particularly effective at blocking the proliferation of the colorectal carcinoma Caco-2 (IC 50 = 372 µg/mL). The methanol T. carpentariae and T. grandiflora leaf extracts were similarly potent inhibitors of HeLa cervical cancer cell proliferation with IC50 values of 864 and 833 µg/mL respectively. The methanolic T. grandiflora fruit and nut extracts, as well as all aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts, were moderate to good inhibitors of carcinoma proliferation. In contrast, chloroform and hexane extracts were generally devoid of anti-proliferative activity. The methanolic T. grandiflora extracts displayed low toxicity in the Artemia nauplii bioassay. All other extracts were non-toxic. GC-MS analysis of the methanolic T. grandiflora leaf extract identified 3 lanostane and 2 pentacyclic triterpenoids. Conclusion: The low toxicity and anti-proliferative activity observed with the T. carpentariae and T. grandiflora extracts against Caco-2 and HeLa indicate their potential for the prevention and treatment of some cancers.

Moringa oleifera—Storage Stability, In Vitro-Simulated Digestion and Cytotoxicity Assessment of Microencapsulated Extract

“…Our findings are consistent with reports showing antiproliferative and/or toxic effects of polyphenols or polyphenol rich extracts in Caco-2 cells and other cell lines, such as Courtney et al [41], Sánchez-Vioque et al [42] and Szewczyk et al [43] with Terminalia carpentariae and Terminalia grandiflora extracts, Oenothera paradoxa seed extract and Crocus sativus L. leaf extract, respectively. However, it is important to note that the authors reported concentrations between 0.5 to 1 mg mL −1 to exert a more potent inhibition of Caco-2 cell proliferation, which are 4-8 times higher compared to the highest concentration (0.125 mg mL −1 ) proved in this study.…”

Anti-Proliferative Properties of Terminalia sericea Burch. Ex Dc Leaf Extracts Against Caco2 and HeLa Cancer Cell Lines

“…(T. carpentariae and T. grandiflora) were also recently reported to be good inhibitors of Caco2 and HeLa cell proliferation. 26 That study identified 3 lanostane and 2 pentacyclic triterpenoids in the extracts and postulated that they may contribute to this activity. Despite these previous studies, limited information is available on the anticancer activity of other Terminalia spp.…”