Phytochemical Investigation and Molecular Profiling by p21 and NF-κB of Chorisia crispiflora Hexane Extract in Human Breast Cancer Cells in Vitro.

Aims: The current study targets two main aims; 1st aim is the phytochemical investigation of the hexane extract of Chorisia crispiflora leaves. The 2nd aim is the evaluation of the invitro cytotoxic activity of the extract then examination of the molecular mechanisms underlying this cytotoxic effect. Study Design: Isolation and identification of the compounds, cytotoxic activity investigation on breast cancer cell line and molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxic extract of Chorisia crispiflora which may interfere with several cell signaling pathways and insert anti-cancer effects through the suppression of NF-κB or activation of p21, on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University and Nationa Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt. The study was completed within 10 months. Methodology: n-hexane extract was tested against breast cancer cell line then investigated for its effect on NF-κB, p21 and DNA fragmentation. The compounds isolated were identified using different spectroscopic techniques. Results: In this regard, three main compounds were isolated; β-sitosterol 1, β-sitosterol 3-glucoside 2 and stigmasterol 3-glucoside 3. The extract exhibited IC50 values of 7 and 4.2 μg/ml following 48 and 72 hrs of treatment; indicating its significant in-vitro cytotoxic activity. This cytotoxic activity was proven to be mediated through down regulation of NF- κB. Conclusion: Our results suggest that n-hexane extract has potent cytotoxic effect on MCF7 cells in addition to down regulation of NF-κB. These findings consequently merit further exploration of the extract in subsequent in-vivo studies and later in controlled clinical trials.

Rhoifolin; A Potent Antiproliferative Effect on Cancer Cell Lines.

Aims: To investigate the cytotoxic activity of rhoifolin against different cancer cell lines. Study Design: Isolation, identification and cytotoxic activity evaluation. Place and Duration of Study: Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University and Al-Azhar University, between October, 2010 and January, 2011. Methodology: Rhoifolin, Apigenin 7-O-β neohesperidoside was isolated in a copious amount from the leaves of Chorisia crispiflora (Bombaceae). Its identity was unambiguously confirmed via different spectroscopic methods (UV, 1HNMR, 13CNMR and HMBC) and viability assay test was used to evaluate its cytotoxic activity. Results: It exhibited potent anticancer activities, nearly similar to that of vinblastine, when evaluated against human epidermoid larynex (Hep 2) and human cervical (HeLa) carcinoma cell lines. Promising activities were also obtained against hepatocellular (Hep G2), colon (HCT-116) and fetal human lung fibroblast (MRC-5) carcinoma cell lines. A unique effect of rhoifolin was in having no cytotoxic activity against healthy normal cells (Vero cells) which indicates a high selectivity of this compound. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that rhoifolin could be used as an ideal anticancer agent. It discriminates between cancerous and non cancerous cell as it kills only the former one. So the side effects which may appear during chemotherapy could be overcome.