Hemidesmus indicus induces apoptosis as well as differentiation in a human promyelocytic leukemic cell line

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe decoction of the roots of Hemidesmus indicus is widely used in the Indian traditional medicine for the treatment of blood diseases, dyspepsia, loss of taste, dyspnea, cough, poison, menorrhagia, fever, and diarrhea. Poly-herbal preparations containing Hemidesmus are often used by traditional medical practitioners for the treatment of cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytodifferentiative, cytostatic and cytotoxic potential of a decoction of Hemidesmus indicus's roots (0.31–3mg/mL) on a human promyelocytic leukemia cell line (HL-60). Materials and methodsThe decoction of Hemidesmus indicus was characterized by HPLC to quantify its main phytomarkers. Induction of apoptosis, cell-cycle analysis, levels of specific membrane differentiation markers were evaluated by flow cytometry. The analysis of cell differentiation by nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reducing activity, adherence to the plastic substrate, α-napthyl acetate esterase activity and morphological analysis was performed through light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsStarting from the concentration of 0.31mg/ml, Hemidesmus indicus induced cytotoxicity and altered cell-cycle progression, through a block in the G0/G1 phase. The decoction caused differentiation of HL-60 cells as shown by NBT reducing activity, adherence to the plastic substrate, α-naphtyl acetate esterase activity, and increasing expression of CD14 and CD15. The morphological analysis by LM and TEM clearly showed the presence of granulocytes and macrophages after Hemidesmus indicus treatment. ConclusionsThe cytodifferentiating, cytotoxic and cytostatic activities of Hemidesmus indicus offers a scientific basis for its use in traditional medicine. Its potent antileukemic activity provides a pre-clinical evidence for its traditional use in anticancer pharmacology. Further experiments are worthwhile to determine the in vivo anticancer potential of this plant decoction and its components.