Parthenium hysterophorus: a probable source of anticancer, antioxidant and anti-HIV agents

Biomed Res Int. 2013:2013:810734. doi: 10.1155/2013/810734. Epub 2013 Nov 17.

Abstract

The present work reports the anticancer, antioxidant, lipo-protective, and anti-HIV activities of phytoconstituents present in P. hysterophorus leaf. Dried leaf samples were sequentially extracted with nonpolar and polar solvents. Ethanol fraction showed noticeable cytotoxic activity (81-85%) in SRB assay against MCF-7 and THP-1 cancer cell lines at 100 μg/ml concentration, while lower activity was observed with DU-145 cell line. The same extract exhibited 17-98% growth inhibition of HL-60 cancer cell lines in MTT assay, showing concentration dependent response. Ethanol extract caused 12% reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential and 10% increment in sub G1 population of HL-60 cell lines. Several leaf fractions, namely, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and aqueous fractions exhibited considerable reducing capability at higher concentrations. Most of the extracts demonstrated appreciable (>75%) metal ion chelating and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities at 200 µg/ml. All the extracts except aqueous fraction accounted for about 70-80% inhibition of lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate indicating protective response against membrane damage. About 40% inhibition of reverse transcriptase (RT) activity was observed in hexane fraction in anti-HIV assay at 6.0 µg/ml concentration. The study showed that phytochemicals present in P. hysterophorus leaf have considerable potential as cytotoxic and antioxidant agents with low to moderate anti-HIV activity.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology
  • HL-60 Cells
  • Humans
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • MCF-7 Cells
  • Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial / drug effects
  • Parthenogenesis
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Parthenium hysterophorus extract
  • Plant Extracts