Cytotoxic, antioxidative, genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of Horchata, beverage of South Ecuador

Abstract

Background“Horchata” is an herbal mixture infusion consumed in Southern Ecuador; 66% of its plants are anti-inflammatory medicinal plant, and 51% are analgesics. Anti-inflammatory substances can prevent carcinogenesis mediated by cytotoxic effects and can prevent DNA damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and apoptotic/antigenotoxic effects of horchata as well as its mechanism.MethodsNine different varieties of horchata were prepared in the traditional way and then freeze-dried. Phytochemical screening tested for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard procedures and antioxidant activities. The cytotoxic activity was evaluated on cerebral astrocytoma (D-384), prostate cancer (PC-3), breast cancer (MCF-7), colon cancer (RKO), lung cancer (A-549), immortalized Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1), and human peripheral blood lymphocytes via a MTS assay. The pro-apoptotic effects were evaluated with Anexin V/Propidium Iodide and western blot of Bax, Bcl-2, TP53, and TP73. Induction and reduction of ROS were assessed by fluorimetry. Genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects were evaluated with a comet assay and micronuclei on binucleated cells.ResultsFive of nine horchatas had cytotoxic effects against D-384 while not affecting normal cells. These horchatas induce cell death by apoptosis modulated by p53/p73. In CHO-K1 cells, the horchatas decrease the damage induced by hydrogen peroxide and Mitomycin C measured in the comet and micronucleus assay respectively.ConclusionsThe IC50 range of effective horchatas in D-384 was 41 to 122 μg·mL−1. This effect may be related to its use in traditional medicine (brain tonic). On the other hand, immortalized Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1) and lymphocytes did not show a cytotoxic effect. The most potent horchata induced apoptosis via a p53/p73-mediated mechanism.The horchatas present antigenotoxic properties, which may be related to the antioxidant capacity. Future studies on horchata components are necessary to understand the interactions and beneficial properties.

Pharmacology and Phytochemistry of Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants: An Update and Perspectives

“…The enantiomeric excesses varied from a few percent units to virtually 100% [60]. Ursolic acid (8), oleanolic acid (9) (Figure 3), carnosol (30), viridiflorol (31), chrysothol (32), and 5-hydroxy-4 ,7-dimethoxy flavone (33) (Figure 6) were identified in the non-volatile fraction from the leaves of the plant. Their structures were determined using X-ray diffraction and NMR and MS techniques [60].…”

“…In addition, a few naturally derived products have been patented [6]. Moreover, traditional natural preparations, such as colada morada, which is consumed on the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) [7], and horchata lojana, which is a typical beverage that is made of a mixture of medicinal and aromatic plants consumed by the people of southern Ecuador [8][9][10], have received great attention. Other typical preparations are an infusion of guaviduca from Piper carpunya Ruiz & Pav.…”

Lipopolysaccharide Enhances Genotoxicity by Activating GADD45G and NF-κB in Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

“…In HCECs treated with LPS, γH2AX is an important end products for DNA damage. Additionally, corneal inflammatory dystrophy is characterized by heightened expression of multiple antibodies, which may bind and activate transcription factors such as NF-κB that acetylate core histones and switch genes on [42][43][44]. Thus, the present results show that the upregulation of genes involved in DNA damage, such as PARP1, Tp53, MSH2, Ogg1, and BRCA1, upregulates both NF-κB According to the early reports, in addition to LPSmediated inflammatory responses, the corneal epithelium naturally accumulates nonspecific innate immune defense mechanisms of the host, which manifest as several immunological secretary molecules (Ig, TLRs, LBP), mucin, growth factors, and excretory molecules (CD, interleukins, and leukotrienes).…”

Insights on the anticancer potential of plant-food bioactives: A key focus to prostate cancer

“…"Horchata" is an herbal mixture infusion consisting in 66% anti-inflammatory plants, and 51% analgesics plants. Three out nine varieties of horchata prepared traditionally showed weak cytotoxic effects against PC-3 without any effect on normal cells with percentage inhibition of < 30% (132).…”