In vitro anti-obesity and anti-cancer effects of Annona and Ficus leaves.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: In vitro anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities of different extracts of annona squamosa l. and ficus racemosa l. leaves.
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Uma Sankar Gorla and K. Ravi Shankar
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: In vitro anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities of different extracts of annona squamosa l. and ficus racemosa l. leaves.
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201611-7298
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The increasing prevalence of obesity and cancer has emerged as major health concerns globally, with the World Health Organization estimating millions affected by these conditions. Obesity is a significant risk factor for various chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular issues, while cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Traditional herbal medicine has long been a cornerstone of treatments for such ailments. This study investigates the potential anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities of extracts from the leaves of two plants, Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa, using in vitro methods.
Lipase Inhibition and Anti-Obesity Activity
The study extensively analyzed the lipase inhibition properties of both ethanolic and hexane extracts of Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa leaves. Through a series of experiments, the researchers found that hexane extracts exhibited significant inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase, an enzyme crucial for fat digestion, suggesting potential anti-obesity benefits. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the hexane extracts showed approximately 98.71% and 97.85% inhibition for Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa, respectively. These findings highlight the effectiveness of these extracts as lipase inhibitors, which could be valuable for obesity management.
Anticancer Activity Assessment
The anticancer property of the extracts was evaluated using the XTT assay against two human cancer cell lines: A-549 (lung cancer) and MDA-MB-435S (breast cancer). The results indicated that the hexane extract of Ficus racemosa achieved about 47.83% inhibition of the A-549 cell line at 200 µg/mL, while the ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa inhibited 28.53% of the MDA-MB-435S cells at the same concentration. These findings underscore the potential of the extracts as anti-cancer agents, warranting further investigation into their active chemical constituents and mechanisms of action.
Comparative Efficacy of Extracts
The study also emphasized the dose-dependent nature of the anticancer activities observed in the extracts. While both ethanol and hexane extracts displayed notable bioactivity, they demonstrated different levels of efficacy against the cancer cell lines. The analysis revealed that hexane extracts seem to outperform ethanol extracts in terms of lipase inhibition, while specific extracts had varying effects on the respective cancer cell lines, indicating the necessity to explore the phytochemical diversity between the extracts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this research highlights the potential therapeutic effects of Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa leaves as both anti-obesity and anti-cancer agents. The observed lipase inhibitory activity suggests a promising avenue for obesity treatment, while the anticancer properties indicate the plants' potential in oncology. This study lays the groundwork for future research aimed at isolating the active compounds within these extracts and understanding their mechanisms of action, ultimately contributing to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What plants were studied for anti-obesity and anti-cancer activities?
The study focused on extracts from Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa leaves to evaluate their potential anti-obesity and anti-cancer properties.
What methods were used to evaluate the extracts’ effects?
The extracts underwent lipase inhibition assays for anti-obesity activity and XTT assays against cancer cell lines A-549 and MDA-MB-435S for anticancer properties.
What were the key findings regarding the lipase inhibition?
Hexane extracts of Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa showed 98.71% and 97.85% inhibition of lipase at 100µg/mL, indicating strong anti-obesity potential.
What cancer cell lines were targeted in this study?
The study targeted human lung cancer cell line A-549 and human metastatic breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435S to assess anticancer effects.
Which extract showed the highest anti-cancer activity?
The hexane extract of Ficus racemosa demonstrated a 47.83% inhibition on A-549 cells, while the ethanolic extract of Annona squamosa showed a 28.53% inhibition on MDA-MB-435S cells.
What are the implications of this research?
The findings suggest that Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa have potential therapeutic effects against obesity and cancer, warranting further investigation into their chemical constituents and mechanisms.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “In vitro anti-obesity and anti-cancer effects of Annona and Ficus leaves.”. 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) Line:
In this context, 'Line' refers to the specific human cell lines (A-549 for lung cancer and MDA-MB-435S for breast cancer) used in the in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Cell lines are essential for cancer research as they provide a controlled environment to study cancer cell behavior, drug effects, and mechanisms of action. They are crucial for determining the efficacy of new treatments based on natural extracts like those from Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa.
2) Cancer:
'Cancer' signifies a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The study highlights the anti-cancer properties of plant extracts against specific cell lines associated with lung and breast cancer. Understanding cancer's nature is vital for developing effective treatments, and herbal medicine offers potential alternatives to conventional therapies. This research contributes to the ongoing struggle against cancer, shedding light on natural solutions.
3) Activity:
'Activity' in this research refers to the biological effects observed from the extracts of Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa. It encompasses their anti-obesity and anti-cancer effects as measured in various assays. Understanding the activity of these extracts helps in identifying their potential therapeutic applications and benefits, guiding future pharmacological studies and applications.
4) Drug:
In the context of this study, 'Drug' typically indicates pharmaceutical agents used in treatment, mentioned as standards like Orlistat for lipase inhibition and Cisplatin for anticancer efficacy. It emphasizes the comparison between these established medications and the natural extracts being studied, highlighting the significance of identifying new therapeutic agents from plants.
5) Powder:
'Powder' relates to the processing of dried plant leaves, specifically the method of creating a fine powdered form for extraction. The powdered leaves are essential in experimental protocols for the extraction of bioactive compounds. This step is crucial for evaluating the efficacy of the extracts in various biological assays.
6) Table:
'Table' denotes the organized presentation of data in the study, summarizing results from various assays including lipase inhibition and cell line inhibition percentages. Tables facilitate easy comparison and visualization of results, allowing for a clearer understanding of the extracts' effects, enhancing data analysis and interpretation within scientific reports.
7) Death:
'Death' refers to the fatal outcomes associated with diseases like cancer, particularly within statistics mentioned in the introduction. The high mortality rates for lung and breast cancer underline the urgency in cancer research, driving investigations into alternative medicines like the herbal extracts studied. Understanding disease-related deaths is vital for prioritizing research efforts.
8) Study (Studying):
'Study' refers to the systematic investigation outlined in the article, aimed at evaluating the anti-obesity and anticancer properties of certain plant extracts. Research studies contribute significantly to the scientific knowledge base, advance drug discovery, and promote the integration of traditional medicine into modern therapeutic practices, particularly in combating prevalent health issues.
9) Medium:
'Medium' refers to the growth medium used for culturing human cell lines in vitro. It provides essential nutrients and conditions for cells to proliferate and react to various treatments. The effectiveness of the extracts is evaluated in this medium, making it a crucial component in assessing their biological activity and therapeutic potential.
10) Disease:
'Disease' signifies the pathological conditions being targeted by the research, mainly obesity and cancer. The study seeks to explore how extracts from traditional plants can address these conditions, emphasizing the need for novel treatments in light of global health concerns. Understanding plant-based remedies' role in managing diseases is increasingly relevant in healthcare.
11) Science (Scientific):
'Scientific' pertains to the principles and methodology used in conducting the research. It emphasizes the study's basis in evidence, rigorous testing, and critical analysis to ensure the validity and reliability of results. The scientific approach establishes trust in findings and their potential applications in health and medicine.
12) Andhra (Amdhra):
'Andhra' refers to Andhra Pradesh, a state in India where the research was conducted. The geographic location may influence the availability of plant resources and traditional medicinal practices. Recognizing cultural context enhances the understanding of how local flora can contribute to therapy and the significance of studying local plants.
13) India:
'India' is the country where the study is based, renowned for its rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal knowledge. The extraction and evaluation of local plants like Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa for therapeutic purposes highlight the intersection of health, culture, and science, promoting indigenous practices in modern medicine.
14) Medicine:
'Medicine' encompasses the field focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. This study aims to bridge traditional herbal medicine with contemporary scientific practices, exploring the therapeutic potential of plant extracts. The integration of plant-based medicine into healthcare supports holistic treatment approaches and advances public health.
15) Phytochemical:
'Phytochemical' relates to the chemical compounds derived from plants, which exhibit various biological activities. The study aims to identify such compounds in Annona squamosa and Ficus racemosa that contribute to their anti-obesity and anticancer properties. Understanding phytochemicals is essential for developing effective, natural therapeutic agents and enhancing pharmacological knowledge.
16) Discussion:
'Discussion' refers to the section in the research report where results are interpreted, compared to existing knowledge, and implications are drawn. It provides insights into the significance of findings, addresses potential limitations, and suggests further research directions, contributing to the broader understanding of the study's impact in the field of phytomedicine.
17) Container:
'Container' refers to the storage environment for the powdered leaves and extracts, crucial for maintaining the integrity and stability of the samples. Proper storage ensures that phytochemical properties are preserved for subsequent analyses, which is fundamental in research focusing on the efficacy of different extracts.
18) Aditya:
'Aditya' refers to one of the collaborating institutions involved in the study. Institutions like Aditya College of Pharmacy play a critical role in academic research, providing resources, expertise, and knowledge dissemination. Collaboration among institutions fosters innovation and strengthens research capabilities in fields like pharmaceutical sciences.
19) Water:
'Water' is fundamental in biological assays and acts as a solvent in many extraction processes. Its role in cell culture and experimentation cannot be overstated as it supports life and facilitates chemical reactions. Water quality impacts experimental outcomes, making it a critical consideration in biomedical research.
20) Eagle:
'Eagle' relates to the modified Eagle's medium (MEM) used for culturing cells in the study. This medium supports the growth of human cell lines, providing essential nutrients and environment for in vitro experiments. Its role is crucial for accurate assessment of extract effects on cancer cell proliferation.
21) Ravi (Ravin):
'Ravi' is likely referencing K. Ravi Shankar, a co-author of the study. Collaborators contribute to the research process through expertise, problem-solving, and diverse perspectives, enhancing study quality and breadth. Acknowledging all contributors highlights the teamwork required in scientific research and promotes collaborative learning.
22) Pune:
'Pune' is the city in India where the cell lines were procured, reflecting the importance of geographic diversity in research resources. The presence of specialized centers like the National Center for Cell Science in Pune enhances the research landscape, providing access to vital biological materials and expertise for conducting significant studies.