Planta Med 2014; 80 - PD85
DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1382506

Effects of capsicodendrin in MCF-7 hormone-dependent breast cancer cells

U Muñoz Acuña 1, 2, LH Rakotondraibe 2, EJ Carcache de Blanco 1, 2
  • 1Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration
  • 2Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Lloyd M. Parks Hall 500 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210

The transcription factor NF-κB plays a significant role in cancer cell survival signaling. Targeting the NF-κB pathway promotes pro-apoptotic down-stream effect and sensitizes malignant cells to existing chemotherapeutic drugs. The cytotoxic effects of compounds isolated from three Cinnamosma species (C. fragrans, C. macrocarpa and C. madagascariensis) were evaluated in multiple cancer cells as well as in a NF-κB-p65 assay. The results obtained showed that capsicodendrin displayed a significant cytotoxic activity in the MCF-7 cell line (IC50= 7.5µM). Further, capsicodendrin also displayed NF-κB inhibitory activity (IC50= 8.6µM) when tested in the NF-κB assay. Subsequently, the apoptotic effect of capsicodendrin was examined using fluorescence-activated cell sorter. In non- treated MCF-7 cells, the results indicated that 46% of cells were detected in sub G1-phase. Treatment with capsicodendrin at a concentration level of 10µM increased the cell population in sub G1-phase to 81% of the total cell population, suggesting that apoptosis had been induced. To further evaluate the mechanism of action, the effect on the mitochondria membrane potential was evaluated using the fluorescent dye JC-1 in treated and untreated cells.