Isolation and Characterization of a Pregnane Steroid from the Antiproliferative Active Extract of Caralluma speciosa (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. Stem Latex
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Date
2024-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Cancer is a broad term for a large diverse group of diseases that can affect any body part, standing
as one of the leading global causes of death. In response to the challenges posed by cancers,
researchers are actively investigating natural alternatives, specifically plant-derived compounds,
seeking safer and more effective chemotherapeutic options to address the limitations of current
treatments. In the traditional medical practices of Ethiopia, the stem latex of Caralluma speciosa
(N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. stands for its traditional use in treating cancer. Thus, this study aimed at
evaluating the antiproliferative activity of the latex and isolating its constituents. In vitro crystal
violet cell proliferation assay was used to determine the antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity of the
80% methanolic extract of C. speciosa against four cancer cell lines. The latex extract exhibited
cytotoxic effects against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and normal cervical cancer cell line
(SiSoN) with Treated versus Control corrected percentage [(T/C)corr. (%)] values of -1.07 and -
0.95, respectively. Additionally, the latex demonstrated antiproliferative effects on lung cancer
cell line (A427) and cervical cancer cells resistant to cisplatin (SiSoR) with (T/C)corr. (%) values
of 0.43 and 1.07, respectively. Subsequently, a pregnane glycoside was isolated from the 80%
methanol extract of the latex using chromatographic techniques including HPLC. The structure
was tentatively identified as 20-O-benzoyl-12-O-acetyl-14-hydroxy-20-pregn-5-ene-3-O-
-D-
cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-
-D-canaropyranosyl-(1→4)-
-D-glucopyranoside through 1D and 2D
NMR spectral data. Although the antiproliferative activity of the isolated compound was not
determined, considering the reported anticancer activity of pregnane glycosides, it was evident that
the isolated compound could have contributed to the antiproliferative/cytotoxic activity of latex of
C. speciosa. The present findings also support the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of
cancer.
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Keywords
Caralluma speciosa, stem latex, cancer cell lines, antiproliferative, pregnane glycoside