In vitro free radical scavenging and anti-cancer effects of Pennisetum alopecuroides.
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Determination of in vitro free radical scavenging and antiproliferative effect of Pennisetum alopecuroides on cultured A549 human lung cancer cells
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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Githa Elizabeth Mathew, Bijo Mathew, S. Gokul, Rahul Krishna, M. P. Farisa
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Determination of in vitro free radical scavenging and antiproliferative effect of Pennisetum alopecuroides on cultured A549 human lung cancer cells
Year: 2015
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Pennisetum alopecuroides, a grass species mainly found in tropical and subtropical regions, is primarily utilized as cattle feed but possesses potential pharmacological properties that warrant investigation. The study aimed to assess the in vitro free radical scavenging and antiproliferative activities of ethanol extract of P. alopecuroides (EEPA) on A549 human lung cancer cells. An increasing interest in natural antioxidants is observed due to the adverse effects of synthetic alternatives. This study highlights the potential of P. alopecuroides as a source of natural antioxidants and antiproliferative agents.
Free Radical Scavenging Activity
The ethanol extract of P. alopecuroides exhibited significant antioxidant activity, quantified using the DPPH assay method. The IC₅₀ value for the DPPH scavenging activity was found to be 44.41 μg/ml, while the standard ascorbic acid had an IC₅₀ of 31.02 μg/ml. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and flavonoids, which contribute to the antioxidative properties of the extract. Furthermore, the antiproliferative effects of EEPA on A549 cells were determined through an MTT assay, showcasing a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, with an IC₅₀ value of approximately 100 μg/ml.
Conclusion
This study marks the first pharmacological exploration of P. alopecuroides, confirming its potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against human lung cancer cell lines alongside reliable free radical scavenging capabilities. The promising results suggest a potential therapeutic application of this plant in cancer treatment. Future research is essential to isolate and characterize the bioactive components of P. alopecuroides, which may contribute to its antioxidative and anticancer properties, ultimately enhancing our understanding of its pharmacological benefits.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the purpose of studying Pennisetum alopecuroides?
The study aimed to investigate the in vitro free radical scavenging and antiproliferative activity of ethanol extract of Pennisetum alopecuroides on cultured A549 human lung cancer cells, highlighting its potential health benefits.
What methods were used to evaluate the extract's activities?
The antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract was evaluated using the DPPH method, while the antiproliferative activity on A549 cells was assessed through the MTT assay method.
What are the main findings regarding the extract's effects?
The extract demonstrated strong free radical scavenging ability with an IC50 of 44.41 μg/ml and showed significant antiproliferative effects on human lung cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner.
What secondary metabolites were found in Pennisetum alopecuroides?
Phytochemical screening revealed that Pennisetum alopecuroides contains significant amounts of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins, contributing to its antioxidant and anticancer properties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “In vitro free radical scavenging and anti-cancer effects of Pennisetum alopecuroides.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity refers to the observable actions or effects produced by a substance, especially in biological or chemical contexts. In this study, it pertains to the free radical scavenging and antiproliferative effects of the ethanol extract of Pennisetum alopecuroides on lung cancer cells, indicating its potential therapeutic effects.
2) Cancer:
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and proliferation, which can lead to malignant tumors. This research explores cancer, particularly lung cancer, to evaluate the anticancer properties of natural extracts, highlighting the importance of discovering safe and effective treatments to combat this challenging medical condition.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants that possess health benefits. They can exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or anticancer properties. This study analyzes the phytochemical content in Pennisetum alopecuroides and its implications for free radical scavenging and cancer cell proliferation, underlining their potential role in medicinal applications.
4) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of medicine that focuses on drugs and their effects on biological systems. This study employs pharmacological principles to assess the bioactivity of Pennisetum alopecuroides, aiming to identify its potential therapeutic uses and understand its chemical interactions with human lung cancer cells.
5) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are a class of phytochemicals known for their antioxidant properties and various health benefits. They contribute to the free radical scavenging effects observed in the ethanol extract of Pennisetum alopecuroides. This study highlights the potential of these compounds in cancer prevention and treatment.
6) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna refers to one of the authors, Rahul Krishna, participating in the research. The inclusion of this name signifies the collaborative effort in conducting the study, emphasizing the collective expertise and contribution of the authors in the investigation of the ethanol extract's effects on lung cancer cells.
7) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells or prevent their proliferation. This study underscores the importance of exploring alternative, potentially less toxic treatments like natural extracts, as chemotherapy can often have significant side effects on patient health.
8) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological pertains to the study of drug interactions with biological systems. This study aims to bridge pharmacology and ethnobotany by investigating the cytotoxic effects of Pennisetum alopecuroides through various in vitro experiments, shedding light on the extract's potential medicinal benefits.
9) Science (Scientific):
Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. This research is a scientific endeavor to understand the efficacy of Pennisetum alopecuroides in combating lung cancer, emphasizing the importance of empirical data in medicine.
10) Radiotherapy:
Radiotherapy involves the use of high-energy radiation to kill or damage cancer cells. Recognizing the limitations and side effects of conventional treatments like radiotherapy, this study advocates for exploring natural substances as adjuncts or alternatives in cancer therapy, focusing on their therapeutic potential.
11) Accumulation (Accumulating, Accumulate):
Accumulation refers to the buildup of substances within cells or tissues, often leading to cellular damage. This study discusses how free radicals can cause oxidative stress and cancer development, highlighting the role of antioxidants in preventing the harmful effects of such accumulations in cellular contexts.
12) Discussion:
Discussion in research articles provides a section where findings are interpreted and contextualized within existing literature. This section addresses the implications of the results concerning Pennisetum alopecuroides's activity, examining how it can contribute to cancer therapy and inviting further research into its mechanisms.
13) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can cause harm. In this study, the authors assess the toxicity of the ethanol extract of Pennisetum alopecuroides, examining its safe dosage ranges and potential for cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, critical for therapeutic applications.
14) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing disease. This study contributes to the field of medicine by investigating natural extracts as potential treatments, emphasizing the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and modern pharmacology in developing safer therapeutic options.
15) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, evolution, and distribution. Understanding the botany of Pennisetum alopecuroides is crucial for this research, as it involves exploring the plant's components and their potential pharmacological properties in relation to health and disease.
16) Eagle:
Eagle does not hold a substantial relevance in the context of this study. It may refer to a specific name or title unrelated to the scientific content discussed, as the study primarily focuses on phytochemical properties and their effects on lung cancer cells rather than broader biological associations.
17) Diet:
Diet refers to the sum of food consumed by an individual or group and is recognized for its role in health, including cancer prevention. This study highlights the significance of diets rich in phytochemicals—like those derived from Pennisetum alopecuroides—in potentially reducing cancer risk through natural means.
18) Drug:
A drug is a substance used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose a disease or to enhance physical or mental well-being. The research focuses on identifying a natural drug potential in Pennisetum alopecuroides, aiming to discover new alternatives to synthetic drugs for cancer treatment and prevention.