Investigation of the anti-cancer and apoptotic properties of aqueous extract from fermented African locust bean seeds

R.A Ayo-Lawal,O Ekpo,M Meyer,N.R Sibuyi,O Osoniyi

doi:10.26656/fr.2017.5(1).295

Abstract

Some fermented foods are reported to possess anti-cancer properties. Fermented African locust bean seeds is a condiment prepared from fermentation of Parkia biglobosa. It has been reportedly functional for various medicinal activities but not anti-cancer. The cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing properties of the aqueous extract of the condiment were investigated in human cancer - hepatocellular (Hep-G2) and cervical (HeLa) and noncancer cell lines. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and clonogenic cell survival assays. Apoptotic cell death and DNA fragmentation were also investigated. The results revealed cytotoxicity to both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05) and selective activities between cancer and non-cancer cells. The IC50 values were 1.3 and 0.5 mg/mL for Hep-G2 and HeLa cells respectively. Furthermore, the extract induced apoptotic cell death in only Hep -G2 (73.03±0.73) cells. The morphologic photomicrographs correlated well with other findings, indicating the cell-specific cytotoxicity of the condiment

Highlights

Existing scientific reports reveal that many naturally fermented foods and beverages contain both functional and non-functional microorganisms (Tamang et al, 2016), with the ability to modulate specific target functions in the body leading to the well-being and health of the consumers
3.1 Cytotoxicity of aqueous fermented P. biglobosa (FPB) seeds extract to cancer cells
The IC50 concentrations at 24 hrs were approximately 1.3 mg/mL and 0.6 mg/mL for HepG2 and hepatocellular (Hep-G2) and cervical (HeLa) cells respectively, suggesting that HeLa cells were more susceptible to the cytotoxic activity of the extract

Summary

Introduction

Existing scientific reports reveal that many naturally fermented foods and beverages contain both functional and non-functional microorganisms (Tamang et al, 2016), with the ability to modulate specific target functions in the body leading to the well-being and health of the consumers. The fermented African locust beans (Figure 1) is a soup/stew condiment prepared by natural fermentation of P. biglobosa seeds. The condiment is well researched and reported to possess diverse nutritional and medicinal properties. This condiment can be eaten directly but it is mainly used as a spice in the preparation of various delicious meals. Various extracts from the fermented seeds of P. biglobosa have been studied for their usefulness in the prevention, treatment, and management of various disease conditions (using various models) including diabetes mellitus (Odetola et al, 2006), hypertension (Ognatan et al, 2011), antioxidant and hypolipidaemic effect (Ayo-Lawal et al, 2014). The present study was done to investigate the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of the aqueous extract of FPB seeds on HeLa and Hep-G2 cells

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Discussion

Conclusion