Mechanisms of Anti-Cancer Effects of &lt;i&gt;Vernonia amygdalina&lt;/i&gt; Leaf Extract

Khalid Khalid

doi:10.3844/ajptsp.2011.76.79

Abstract

Problem statement: Vernonia amygdalina (V. amygdalina) has been shown to have cancer cell inhibition and cytotoxic effects. Approach: This study discusses the multi-faceted and multi-linked mechanisms by which cancer tissue inhibition and destruction is achieved by V. amygdalina leaf extract and powder (subsequently called V. amygdalina Extract). Cancer cell inhibition by V. amygdalina is suggested to occur through inhibition of sterol 14-α-demethylase, a microsomal P450-dependent enzyme system) of the membrane of the cancer cell. Inhibition of this enzyme impairs the biosynthesis of ergosterol for the cytoplasmic membrane. Results: This impairment of the synthesis of ergosterol disrupts the close packing of acyl chains of phospholipids and impairs the function of some membrane-bound enzyme systems like ATPase and enzymes of electron-transport system of the cancer cells. V. amygdalina extract inhibits sterol 14-α-demethylase by acting on β3 adrenergic receptors of the cancer cell membranes as a primary ligand in Gi (inhibitory) receptors on cancer β3 lipid cell membrane receptors and mitochondrial ATP energy generation system receptors. Conclusion: By effecting β-oxidation of fatty acids and lipids in cell membranes and cell mitochondrial energy (ATP) generation systems, the V. amygdalina extract uncouples the mitochondrial energy (ATP generation) systems of the cancer cells and cell membranes resulting in the cancer cells being burnt out (consumed) by the extract (when V. amygdalina extract is cytotoxic to the cancer cells) or its functioning being inhibited (when V. amygdalina extract is only inhibitory to the cancer cells.

Highlights

Anti-cancer activities of V. amygdalina have been reported in many studies (Oyugi et al, 2009).V. amygdalina contains saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones.Anticancer effect of V. amygdalina leaf extract is anIts major constituents are the saponin Vernonin, immune defence action: The position of the author is the sesquiterpenes Vernolepin and Vernodalin and the that the carcinoma inhibition and destruction actions of ubiquitous flavonoid Kaempferol.V. amygdalina extract stem from a combination of itsIts sesquiterpene lactones have in-vitro cytotoxic cellular energy generation antagonism and its immune activity against KB tumor cells and Wilme’s myeloma defence actions
A 94-98% inhibition of DNA synthesis in any 2009; Esimone et al, 2005) are all extensions of the living cell will definitely grind the activities of that cell immune defence actions of the extract
The 94-98% inhibition of DNA synthesis was obtained metabolism actions start with lipolytic effects on cell with V. amygdalina extract fractions of five different membranes and lipid depots of carcinoma cells and extend to the excess body fat in the adipose tissues of a cancer cell membrane and cytoplasm, the cancer cell is cancer patient

Summary

Introduction

Anti-cancer activities of V. amygdalina have been reported in many studies (Oyugi et al, 2009).V. amygdalina contains saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones.Anticancer effect of V. amygdalina leaf extract is anIts major constituents are the saponin Vernonin, immune defence action: The position of the author is the sesquiterpenes Vernolepin and Vernodalin and the that the carcinoma inhibition and destruction actions of ubiquitous flavonoid Kaempferol.V. amygdalina extract stem from a combination of itsIts sesquiterpene lactones have in-vitro cytotoxic cellular energy generation antagonism and its immune activity against KB tumor cells and Wilme’s myeloma defence actions. A 94-98% inhibition of DNA synthesis in any 2009; Esimone et al, 2005) are all extensions of the living cell will definitely grind the activities of that cell immune defence actions of the extract.

Results

Conclusion