Cytotoxic activity and inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production of triterpene saponins from the roots of Physospermum verticillatum (Waldst & Kit) (Apiaceae).

Abstract

Three triterpene saponins isolated from the roots of Physospermum verticillatum and identified as saikosaponin a (1), buddlejasaponin IV (2), and songarosaponin D (3) were investigated in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against a panel of seven different cancer cell lines including ACHN, C32, Caco-2, COR-L23, A375, A549, and Huh-7D12 cell lines. The hydrolysis of sugar unit was performed on saikosaponin a (1) to obtain saikosapogenin a (4). All isolated saponins exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against COR-L23 cell line with IC(50) values ranged from 0.4 to 0.6 microM. A similar activity was recorded for saikogenin a (4). None of the tested compounds affected the proliferation of skin fibroblasts 142BR suggesting a selective action against cancer cells. Moreover, buddlejasaponin IV (2) and songarosaponin D (3) exerted significant inhibition of NO production in LPS induced RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC(50) of 4.2 and 10.4 microM, respectively.

• Authors: Rosa Tundis, Marco Bonesi, Brigitte Deguin, Monica R Loizzo, Federica Menichini, Filomena Conforti, François Tillequin, Francesco Menichini
• Journal: Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry (Bioorg Med Chem) Vol. 17 Issue 13 Pg. 4542-7 (Jul 01 2009) ISSN: 1464-3391 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 19467877 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Saponins
• Triterpenes
• buddlejasaponin IV
• songarosaponin D
• Nitric Oxide
• Oleanolic Acid

Topics

• Animals
• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (isolation & purification, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Apiaceae (chemistry)
• Cell Line, Tumor
• Cell Survival (drug effects)
• Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
• Humans
• Macrophages (cytology, drug effects, metabolism)
• Mice
• Neoplasms (drug therapy)
• Nitric Oxide (antagonists & inhibitors, metabolism)
• Oleanolic Acid (isolation & purification, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Plant Roots (chemistry)
• Saponins (isolation & purification, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Triterpenes (isolation & purification, pharmacology, therapeutic use)