Influence of Sutherlandia frutescens extracts on cell numbers, morphology and gene expression in MCF-7 cells

Abstract

Sutherlandia frutescens is a well-known South African herbal remedy traditionally used for stomach problems, internal cancers, diabetes, various inflammatory conditions and recently to improve the overall health in cancer and HIV/AIDS patients. The influence of crude Sutherlandia frutescens extracts (prepared with 70% ethanol) was investigated on cell numbers, morphology, and gene expression profiles in a MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cell line. Time-dependent (24, 34, 48 and 72 h) and dose-dependent (0.5-2.5 mg/ml) studies were conducted utilizing spectrophotometrical analysis with crystal violet as DNA stain. A statistically significant decrease to 50% of malignant cell numbers was observed after 24 h of exposure to 1.5 mg/ml Sutherlandia frutescens extract when compared to vehicle-treated controls. Morphological characteristics of apoptosis including cytoplasmic shrinking, membrane blebbing and apoptotic bodies were observed after 24 h of exposure. A preliminary global gene expression profile was o op pe en nU UP P ( (J Ju un ne e 2 20 00 07 7) ) obtained by means of microarray analysis and revealed valuable information about the molecular mechanisms and signal transduction associated with 70% ethanolic Sutherlandia frutescens extracts.

The apoptosis inducing effects of Sutherlandia spp. extracts on an oesophageal cancer cell line

“…Based on the morphological features observed, including cell shrinkage, spherical cell shape and plasma membrane blebbing, the treated cells can be classified as apoptotic (Kroemer et al, 2009). These findings are consistent with previous studies which have also found morphological characteristics of apoptosis following S. frutescens treatments of various cell lines (Chinkwo, 2005 andStander et al, 2007).…”

“…Under these conditions almost all the extracts are able to produce a significant decrease in cell viability. These concentrations are similar to the concentrations of S. frutescens used in previous studies (Tai et al, 2004;Chinkwo, 2005;Stander et al, 2007;Stander et al, 2009;Korb et al, 2010 andPhulkkdarre, et al 2010). The ATP assay supported that the extracts do in fact significantly decrease the cell viability as detected by alamarBlue® at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml ( Fig.…”

“…Flow cytometric analysis of S. frutescens-treated Jurkat cells revealed that more than 84% were apoptotic (Chinkwo, 2005). Stander et al (2007) also observed morphological characteristics typical of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells treated with 1.5 mg/ml ethanolic S. frutescens extracts. A gene expression profile revealed that genes thought to be involved in apoptosis, growth inhibition and NF-kB signalling were differentially expressed in S. frutescens-treated and vehicle control-treated cells.…”

“…Studies by Tai et al (2004) and Stander et al (2007) showed that ethanolic extracts of S. frutescens had concentration-dependent anti-proliferative effects on a variety of human tumour cell lines. Aqueous extracts of S. frutescens were found to inhibit the growth of MCF-7 cells (Steenkamp and Gouws, 2006) and induce cytotoxicity in cervical carcinoma (Caski) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (Chinkwo, 2005).…”

The Potential ofSutherlandia frutescensfor Herb-Drug Interaction

“…It has been investigated for many of the anecdotal claims. Many of such studies have suggested its potential for beneficial effects in HIV/AIDS (Harnett et al, 2005), cancer (Stander et al, 2007(Stander et al, , 2009Skerman et al, 2011), diabetes (Chadwick et al, 2007;Mackenzie et al, 2009Mackenzie et al, , 2012, inflammation (Ojewole, 2004), microbial infection (Katerere and Eloff, 2005), stress (Prevoo et al, 2004), and convulsion (Ojewole, 2008). Commercial twice-daily Sutherlandia capsules containing 300 mg of powdered dried leaves are also available in the herbal medicines shops in South Africa (Van Wyk and Albrecht, 2008).…”