Evaluation of cytostatic potential of Helleborus purpurascens extracts concentrated by membrane techniques

Helleborus sp. is used in the adjuvant treatment of different tumors. Indications include various types of brain tumors in children, as well as prostate cancer, leukemia and lymphoma [1]. Our aim was to evaluation of cytostatic potential of Helleborus purpurascens Waldst. & Kit. concentrated extracts. Particular attention was devoted to investigate the possibility to purify and concentrate Helleborus purpurascens extracts by microfiltration, ultrafiltration and nanofiltration process, allowing the preservation of thermolabile compounds from the extracts and their antineoplastic properties examination. The bioactive compounds characterization has been effected by UV-VIS spectroscopy and HPLC. The concentrated Hellebore extracts „in vitro“ testing, on HeLa neoplastic cell cultures, has highlighted the cell proteinsynthesis alteration; protein dynamics modification; decrease of total cell number; cell viability diminution; inhibitory impact upon the cell cultures development. Concentrated Hellebore extracts induces an inhibitory effect upon cell cultures development of 90.7% at 72h, thus it can be considered a good source for further medicinal applications.

Acknowledgement: This research was supported by the Romanian National Center for Program Management – PN62076/2008 projects.

References: 1. Jesse P et al. (2009) Pediatr Blood Cancer 52(4): 464–469