Bixa orellana L. by-products’ fractions from an industrial process: antiproliferative activity on tumor cells and chemical profile

Abstract

This study evaluated the phytochemical characterization of Bixa orellana (BO extract) unsaponifiable extract and resulting fractions (F fraction -FF, Geranyl fraction -GF and R fraction-RF) obtained as by-products of an industrial process investigating in vitro antiproliferative activities in human tumoral cells. The main compounds identified by GC-MS for BO extract were Geranylgeraniol (61.51%); for FF: Geranylgeraniol (70.23%); for GF: Geranylgeraniol (78.92%) and for RF: -cubebene (27.75%). Quantifications of geranylgeraniol by GC-FID presented the percentage content: BO 27.52%; FF 38.52%; GF 51.44% and RF 1.81%. BO extract showed a significant antiproliferative activity, with GI 50 up to 4 µg/mL. All fractions had a remarkably similar antiproliferative activity profile (GI 50 27-47 µg/mL). Data reported herein showed an important cytostatic effect for BO extract, nevertheless this activity is not attributed exclusively to geranylgeraniol. In conclusion, this by-product becomes of great value, being a potential candidate for development of new anti-tumor ingredients.

Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity from Leaves and Seeds of Bixa orellana L. from the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico

“…In a study carried out with the seeds of other accessions of B. orellana , the antiproliferative activity in tumor cells and chemical profile was determined. 11 They demonstrated an important cytostatic effect, attributed to geranylgeraniol. Therefore, it is very important to determine the chemical profiles (identification and quantification of phenolic compounds and flavonoids) of the same accessions that are reported in this article to obtain more information about the phytochemicals that could be related to the antiproliferative effects in the carcinogenic cell lines evaluated.…”

“…In addition, investigations have been carried out in different parts of achiote, 7–10 where the activity of its bioactive components with antihyperglycemic, antimalarial, antiulcer activity, antimicrobial activity of pathogenic bacteria, antiproliferative in vitro through mechanisms involving apoptosis and cell disruption is reported, 11 information that gives this plant a scientific support for its use in traditional medicine, 7–10 and taking as reference previous reports of studies of the same accessions. 12, 13…”