Abstract
Cucurbitane-type triterpenoids are a major class of bioactive compounds present in bitter melon. In the present study, six different cultivars of bitter melon were extracted by using microwave- or ultrasound-assisted techniques to identify the prominent method that can extract the majority of cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. A UHPLC–MS/MS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry) system was used for the identification and quantification of ten cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. The results suggest that the use of microwave-assisted extraction on cultivars 4 and 5 produced higher amounts of the selected cucurbitane-type triterpenoids. The interpretation of principal component analysis also identified that cultivar 4 is significantly different from the others in which the compounds 3β,7β,25-trihydroxycucurbita-5,23(E)-dien-19-al and momordicine I were found in higher quantities. Upon further evaluation, it was also identified that these two triterpenoids can act as antiproliferative agents due to their effects on SAS human oral cancer cell lines.
Highlights
Even with the significant improvements and advancements in therapies in recent years, cancer remains the second leading cause of death
A small amount of momordicoside A was eluted in 40% methanol, while most of momordicoside A could be eluted in 50% methanol
The solidphase extraction column was washed with 30% methanol, and 100% methanol was used as the elution buffer in subsequent sample clean-up experiments
Summary
Even with the significant improvements and advancements in therapies in recent years, cancer remains the second leading cause of death. The death rate associated with oral cancer is significantly higher than that of other cancers, not due to the fact that it is difficult to diagnose or discover but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development [2,3]. Numerous studies have been devoted to finding novel agents, especially from natural plants that can reduce the risk of oral cancer development or trigger the apoptosis of tumor cells [4]. It is well known that the 5β,19-epoxy ring and C (25)-O-methyl in cucurbitane-type triterpenoid structures show prominent antiproliferative effects [5]. Cucurbitacin E from the climbing stem of Cucumic melo L., which is a cucurbitane-type triterpenoid, shows an inhibitory effect on SAS cell proliferation [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
