Phenolic compounds from Viscum album tinctures enhanced antitumor activity in melanoma murine cancer cells

Abstract

Cancer is one of the biggest problems in public health worldwide. Plants have been shown important role in anticancer research. L. (Santalaceae), commonly known as mistletoe, is a semi-parasitic plant that grows on different host trees. In complementary medicine, extracts from European mistletoe ( L.) have been used in the treatment of cancer. The study was conducted to identify chemical composition and antitumor potential of tinctures. Chemical analysis performed by high resolution chromatography equipped with high resolution mass spectrometer identified caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, sakuranetin, isosakuranetin, syringenin 4-O-glucoside, syringenin 4-O-apiosyl-glucoside, alangilignoside C and ligalbumoside A compounds. Some of these compounds are probably responsible for the reduction of tumoral cellular growth in a dose-dependent manner. It was observed that melanoma murine cells (B16F10) were more sensitive to tinctures than human leukaemic cells (K562), besides non-tumoral cells (MA-104) had a much lower cytotoxicity to them. Apoptotic-like cells were observed under light microscopy and were confirmed by a typical DNA fragmentation pattern. Additionally, flow cytometry results using Annexin-V/FITC permitted to quantify increased expression of early and late apoptotic markers on tumoral cells, confirming augmented Sub G0 population, which was probably associated with a consistent decrease in G1, and an increase in S or G2/M populations. Results indicate the chemical composition of tinctures influences the mechanisms of tumoral cell death, suggesting a potential use in cancer pharmacotherapy research.

Viscum album L. homogenizer‐assisted and ultrasound‐assisted extracts as potential sources of bioactive compounds

“…Compound 9 was characterized as the formate adduct of eleutheroside B (syringin), previously reported in V. album (de Oliveira Melo et al., 2018). The initial loss of 46 Da corresponded to formate, whereas syringin was observed at m/z 371 and the fragmentation was in agreement with bibliographic data.…”

A Review on Sources and Pharmacological Aspects of Sakuranetin

“…Melo et al noted that sakuneretin is one of the most important compounds involved in the antitumoral activity of Viscum album L. (Santalaceae), which is used in complementary medicine fors cancer treatment [25]. Furthermore, sakuranetin was also found in the wood of Bonnetia dinizii (Guttiferae) [26], in the bud exudate from P. sieboldii (Section Leuce) [27], and in the chloroform-methanol (1:1) extract of Dodonaea viscosa (L.) Jacq.…”

Incorporation of Lippia citriodora Microwave Extract into Total-Green Biogelatin-Phospholipid Vesicles to Improve Its Antioxidant Activity

“…Phytochemicals are being investigated as a natural alternative to treat skin conditions associated with inflammation and oxidative stress (e.g., dermatitis, psoriasis, or melanoma), due to their ability to counteract ROS and RNS. According to several studies, the topical administration of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds of natural origin can ameliorate altered skin conditions and restore skin normal functions [4][5][6].…”