Ethanolic extract of Nymphaea lotus L. (Nymphaeaceae) leaves exhibits in vitro antioxidant, in vivo anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities on Jurkat and MCF-7 cancer cell lines

Abstract

Background Nymphaea lotus L. (N. lotus) is an aquatic plant with anecdotal reports suggesting its use in the traditional management of cancer. However, there is a paucity of data on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of N. lotus in relation to its phytochemical and elemental contents. This study aimed at determining the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of the hydro-ethanolic extract of N. lotus leaves (NLE), and its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents. Methods The antioxidant property of NLE was determined using total phenolic and flavonoid, DPPH radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and reducing power assays. The anti-inflammatory activity of NLE (100–250-500 mg/kg), diclofenac and hydrocortisone (positive controls) were determined by paw oedema and skin prick tests in Sprague Dawley rats. Also, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was determined by Westergren method. The macro/micro-elements content was determined by the XRF method. The cytotoxic property of NLE was determined by the MTT assay, on two cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and Jurkat) and compared to a normal cell line (Chang liver). Inhibitory concentrations were determined as IC50 values (±SEM). Results The extract had appreciable levels of phenolic and flavonoids compounds and was two-fold more potent in scavenging DPPH radicals than Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). However, NLE was three- and six-fold less potent than ascorbic acid and BHT, respectively, in reducing Fe3+ to Fe2+. The extract was six-fold more potent than gallic acid in inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in rat paw oedema sizes, comparable to diclofenac, and a significant decrease in wheel diameters and ESR. The elemental analysis revealed relevant concentrations of Mg2+, P2+, S2+, K2+, Mn+, Fe+, Cu+, Zn+ and Cd+. The extract exhibited cytotoxic activity on both MCF-7 (IC50 = 155.00 μg/ml) and Jurkat (IC50 = 87.29 μg/ml), with higher selectivity for Jurkat cell line. Interestingly, the extract showed low cytotoxicity to the normal Chang liver cell line (IC50 = 204.20 μg/ml). Conclusion N. lotus leaves extract exhibited high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cancer-cell-specific cytotoxic properties. These aforementioned activities could be attributed to its phenolic, flavonoid and elemental constituents. Graphical abstract

Naturally Occurring Functional Ingredient from Filamentous Thermophilic Cyanobacterium Leptolyngbya sp. KC45: Phytochemical Characterizations and Their Multiple Bioactivities

“…In line with our results, cancer cells of the types HeLa, MCF-7, Hep3B, A549, C6, and HT29 were found to be sensitive to the cytotoxicity of a methanolic extract of four cyanobacteria ( Chroococus minutus , Geitlerinema carotinosum , Nostoc linckia , and Anabaena oryzae ) rich in pigments and phenolics [ 138 ]. Our findings are consistent with those of Kim et al [ 139 ], Mesas et al [ 140 ], and N’guessan et al [ 141 ], who all found that ethanolic extracts of medicinal plants exhibited comparable cytotoxicity toward human cancer cells (T84, HT1080, MCF-7, MDA-MB231, and HCT-15). They also proposed that the presence of chlorophyll, carotenoids, and phenolics in the extract could be associated with the antioxidant and anticancer effects that these compounds possess.…”

Role of Glycation in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Prevention through Nymphaea Species

“…of 100-250-500 mg/kg, with diclofenac and hydrocortisone (as positive controls) by paw oedema and skin prick tests in carrageenan-induced Sprague-Dawley rats. It was found that paw oedema sizes decrease in a dose-dependent manner thus supporting that it might contain some anti-inflammatory compounds causing the inhibition of the prostaglandin-induced inflammatory pathway [53]. The N. hybrida ethanol extract (NHE) inhibits the LPS-associated inflammatory response by blocking the activation of NF-κB and MAPK pathways in RAW264.7 cells and effectively alleviating the inflammatory response of acute inflammation [54].…”

Antioxidant capacity, flavor and physicochemical properties of FH06 functional beverage fermented by lactic acid bacteria: a promising method to improve antioxidant activity and flavor of plant functional beverage

“…Their combination is based on the traditional Chinese medicine weight loss theory of tonifying qi and invigorating the spleen, dispelling dampness and resolving phlegm [ 12 ]. Ginseng [ 13 ], lotus leaf [ 14 ], poria cocos [ 15 ], tangerine peel [ 16 ], rice bean [ 17 ] and cassia [ 18 ] all have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and are commonly used as food or dietary supplements for weight loss in China, Korea and other eastern countries.…”