RESUMEN
This work was conducted to evaluate the pharmacognostic and phytochemical study of varieties of Nagakesara. When it is further studied, it is observed that Nagakesara available in the markets of different areas is from different source plants. There are nearly 5 drugs sold in the market with the same name, the common floral parts available in the markets are commonly from Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea Linn.), Surapunnaga (Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth and Hook f.), Tamalpatra (Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Ebern.), Punnaga (Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.), Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. Hence a comparative study of these two samples 1) Nagakesara (Mesua ferrea), and 2) Tamalpatra (Cinnamomum tamala) has been carried out. The phytochemical study shows the presence of tannins, steroids and carbohydrates in almost all varieties of Nagakesara. Flower buds of Nagakesara plant of different species available in the market was taken up for the study. CONCLUSION: A detailed Pharamcognostic and Phytochemical review was done through which it was concluded that Mesua ferrea Linn. belonging to family Guttiferae may be the exact source of Nagakesara. The flower buds of Cinnamomum tamala Nees and Ebern. which is known as black variety in the markets according to our study,.
RESUMEN
Considering the great potential of natural products as anticancer agents, the present study was designed to explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for anticancer activities of Mesua ferrea stem bark extract against human colorectal carcinoma. Based on MTT assay results, bioactive sub-fraction (SF-3) was selected for further studies using HCT 116 cells. Repeated column chromatography resulted in isolation of less active α-amyrin from SF-3, which was identified and characterized by GC-MS and HPLC methods. α-amyrin and betulinic acid contents of SF-3 were measured by HPLC methods. Fluorescent assays revealed characteristic apoptotic features, including cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, and marked decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential in SF-3 treated cells. In addition, increased levels of caspases-9 and -3/7 levels were also observed in SF-3 treated cells. SF-3 showed promising antimetastatic properties in multiple in vitro assays. Multi-pathway analysis revealed significant down-regulation of WNT, HIF-1α, and EGFR with simultaneous up-regulation of p53, Myc/Max, and TGF-β signalling pathways in SF-3 treated cells. In addition, promising growth inhibitory effects were observed in SF-3 treated HCT 116 tumour spheroids, which give a hint about in vivo antitumor efficacy of SF-3 phytoconstituents. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that anticancer effects of SF-3 towards colon cancer are through modulation of multiple molecular pathways.