Antiproliferative Effect of Synadenium grantii Hook f. stems (Euphorbiaceae) and a Rare Phorbol Diterpene Ester

Int J Toxicol. 2016 Nov;35(6):666-671. doi: 10.1177/1091581816659660. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Abstract

Synadenium grantii is frequently used for the treatment of various diseases such as allergies, gastric disorders, and especially cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible antiproliferative potential of the methanol extract, fractions, and pure compounds from the stems of S grantii Phytochemical analysis was carried out by conventional chromatographic techniques, and the antiproliferative activity was analyzed using the sulforhodamine B assay and an MTT-based assay. Nonpolar fraction and its subfractions from the stems of S grantii exhibited promising cytostatic effect against several human tumor cell lines (glioma, breast, kidney, and lung), with total grown inhibition values ranging from 0.37 to 2.9 μg/mL. One of the active principles of this plant was identified as a rare phorbol diterpene ester, denoted as 3,4,12,13-tetraacetylphorbol-20-phenylacetate. This compound demonstrated antiproliferative activity against glioma, kidney, lung, and triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. These results demonstrate that S grantii stems produce active principles with relevant antiproliferative potential.

Keywords: Synadenium grantii; antiproliferative action; nonpolar fraction; phorbol ester.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Euphorbiaceae*
  • Humans
  • Phorbol Esters / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves
  • Plant Stems

Substances

  • 3,4,12,13-tetraacetylphorbol-20-phenylacetate
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Phorbol Esters
  • Plant Extracts