Antiproliferative Properties of Papaver rhoeas Ovule Extracts and Derived Fractions Tested on HL60 Leukemia Human Cells.

Elisa Ovidi,Stefania Garzoli,Daniele Zago,Gabriella Gambellini,Lorenzo Modesti,Saran Vittoria Keita,Valentina Laghezza Masci,Giovanni Turchetti,Antonio Tiezzi

doi:10.3390/molecules25081850

Elisa Ovidi, Stefania Garzoli + Show 7 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25081850

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Abstract

Papaver rhoeas plant is common in many regions worldwide and contributes to the landscape with its red flower. In the present study we first carried out morphological investigation by optical and scanning electron microscopy of the ovules within the ovary. After ovules’ isolation we prepared extracts to test possible cytotoxic activities on HL60 leukemia human cells and investigated the extracts using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). P. rhoeas ovules showed an elongated, round shape and the presence of ordered sculptures on the ovule surface. The ovule extracts showed cytotoxic activity on HL60 human cells mainly found in some TLC-isolated spots. Compounds consisting of active spots were identified by GC-MS investigations. Our findings on the P. rhoeas ovule compounds open perspectives for further investigations of TLC-isolated spots on other human cancer cell lines.

Highlights

Since ancient times, plants and their components have been used by humans as resources to improve the quality of life
In our search for new compounds of potential pharmaceutical interest, we focused our interest on Papaver rhoeas L. (Papaveraceae, commonly named “poppy” or “corn poppy”), a common plant which grows in fields in many different regions globally
In the present paper we reported our findings on extracts from P. rhoeas ovules

Summary

Introduction

Plants and their components have been used by humans as resources to improve the quality of life. Their use as pharmaceuticals shifted from empirical applications to detailed scientific uses [1] and recently the search for plant compounds for pharmaceutical development has significantly increased [2]. In our search for new compounds of potential pharmaceutical interest, we focused our interest on Papaver rhoeas L. It has been appreciated for its pharmaceutical properties to treat coughs, diarrhea, and sleep disorders; when used as food, a large amount of baked P. rhoeas can induce intoxication in humans [3]. P. rhoeas aerial parts have been investigated and the alkaloid component identified [4,5] and its antimicrobial activity tested [4].

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