Apocynaceae Plants Research Articles

Anti-inflammatory activity and identification of two ‘Sarpagan’ indole alkaloids from the leaf methanolic extract of Rauvolfia densiflora (Wall.) Benth. ex Hook. f.

The Apocynaceae plant group contains many bioactive compounds that are pharmacologically relevant and are used as potential medicine for many diseases. Rauvolfia densiflora Benth. ex Hook.f. (syn- Rauvolfia verticillata (Lour.) Baill.) coming under the same family known for its diverse medicinal properties. The current study was carried out to evaluate the bioactive compounds present in the extract using GC-MS analysis and to find out the anti-inflammatory potential of the extract using in-vitro methods. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 16 bioactive compounds with diverse pharmacological activities. Among them, Oleic Acid, 17-hydroxy-, methyl ester, trans-decahydroquinoline, and Spiro-(1,3-dioxolane-2, 3’-indolin]-2’-one possesses more important properties. Two important sarpagan indole alkaloids were also identified namely Sarpagan-16-carboxylic acid or (Z) Akuammidine and sarpagan-17-ol or Vellosiminol, which are pharmacologically important compounds with anti-inflammatory, anti-asthmatic activities. The in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity was carried out using the COX assay. COX assay showed 55.27% inhibition at a concentration of 200 μg/mL with an IC50 value of 155.38 μg/mL, this is an indication that the methanolic leaf extract R. densiflora has the potential to be developed as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

Tabersonine Induces the Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma In vitro and In vivo.

Tabersonine, a natural indole alkaloid derived from Apocynaceae plants, exhibits antiinflammatory and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, among other pharmacological effects. However, its anti-tumor properties and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain underexplored. The present study aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of tabersonine and its mechanisms in inducing apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. The inhibitory effects of tabersonine on the viability and proliferation of liver cancer cells were evaluated using MTT assay and colony formation assay. AO/EB, Hoechst, and Annexin V-FITC/ PI staining techniques were employed to observe cell damage and apoptosis. JC-1 staining was used to detect changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis was conducted to study the anti-tumor mechanism of tabersonine on liver cancer cells. Additionally, a xenograft model using mice hepatoma HepG2 cells was established to assess the anti-tumor potency of tabersonine in vivo. Our findings revealed that tabersonine significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation, inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells. Treatment with tabersonine inhibited Akt phosphorylation, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, promoted cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, and increased the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2. These findings suggested that tabersonine induces apoptosis in liver cancer cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, tabersonine treatment activated the death receptor pathway of apoptosis. In vivo studies demonstrated that tabersonine significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth. Our study is the first to demonstrate that tabersonine induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells through both mitochondrial and death receptor apoptotic pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent candidate for hepatic cancer.

Evolution and diversification of carboxylesterase-like [4+2] cyclases in aspidosperma and iboga alkaloid biosynthesis

Monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs) are a large and diverse class of plant natural products, and their biosynthetic construction has been a subject of intensive study for many years. The enzymatic basis for the production of aspidosperma and iboga alkaloids, which are produced exclusively by members of the Apocynaceae plant family, has recently been discovered. Three carboxylesterase (CXE)-like enzymes from Catharanthus roseus and Tabernanthe iboga catalyze regio- and enantiodivergent [4+2] cycloaddition reactions to generate the aspidosperma (tabersonine synthase, TS) and iboga (coronaridine synthase, CorS; catharanthine synthase, CS) scaffolds from a common biosynthetic intermediate. Here, we use a combined phylogenetic and biochemical approach to investigate the evolution and functional diversification of these cyclase enzymes. Through ancestral sequence reconstruction, we provide evidence for initial evolution of TS from an ancestral CXE followed by emergence of CorS in two separate lineages, leading in turn to CS exclusively in the Catharanthus genus. This progression from aspidosperma to iboga alkaloid biosynthesis is consistent with the chemotaxonomic distribution of these MIAs. We subsequently generate and test a panel of chimeras based on the ancestral cyclases to probe the molecular basis for differential cyclization activity. Finally, we show through partial heterologous reconstitution of tabersonine biosynthesis using non-pathway enzymes how aspidosperma alkaloids could have first appeared as "underground metabolites" via recruitment of promiscuous enzymes from common protein families. Our results provide insight into the evolution of biosynthetic enzymes and how new secondary metabolic pathways can emerge through small but important sequence changes following co-option of preexisting enzymatic functions.

Biochemical, Phytochemical Screening and Pharmacological Potential of Allamanda blanchetii (Purple Allamanda)

One of the significant members of the perennial, terrestrial plant family Apocynaceae is Allamanda blanchetii. Its gorgeous blossom has led to its cultivation as an ornamental plant. Many ailments can be cured using medicinal herbs. We have presented the preliminary analysis of A. blanchetii in this work. In this work, we have provided a phytochemical analysis of A. blanchetii, which may suggest that it has therapeutic potential. The chloroform, acetone, and methanol leaf extract has been demonstrated to contain flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, and tannins. We also research A. blanchetii biological makeup. Three different chlorophyll concentrations are shown: total chlorophyll (4.90 mg/g tissue), chlorophyll a (2.78 mg/g tissue), and chlorophyll b (2.71 mg/g tissue). carbs (35.30%), protein (23.5%), and fat (3.5%). While using thin layer chromatography (TLC) to detect different chemical compositions, the results revealed that the Rf value was 0.56 and that the colour band was yellowish. by adopting the AOAC standard technique, it is possible to study the pharmacological potential using variables such as moisture content, ash value, and extractive value in alcohol and water. The results show that there is 78.96% moisture content, 21.03% ash value, 30.40% extractive value in water, and 40.30% alcohol. The study’s findings indicate that A. blanchetii has therapeutic qualities and is useful for human society.

Gut-specific cardenolide-resistant sodium pump primed an omnivore to feed on toxic oleander.

Apocynaceae plants produce toxic cardenolides to defend against their herbivores. Cardenolides could inhibit the α subunit of Na+⁄K+-ATPase (ATPα), which plays critical roles in biological processes such as muscle contraction, neural function, and osmoregulation. Numerous herbivores that specialized on cardenolides-producing milkweeds carry parallel molecular changes in ATPα that confer resistance. We found that Pacific Ducetia (Ducetia japonica), an omnivorous katydid, could feed on cardenolides-rich oleander leaves. ATPα in D.japonica has undergone parallel molecular changes just like milkweed specialists. These changes evolved at the common ancestors of the leaf katydids before the diversification of Apocynaceae and may prime species in this lineage to feed on cardenolides-rich food. In summary, we reported the first case of cardenolide resistance in katydid, with convergent molecular evolution in ATPα, also an unusual case of cardenolidesresistance in nonspecialist species that evolved earlier than the currently known cardenolide-producing plants.

Representasi 3D Jaringan Epidermis dan Stomata Daun Beberapa Jenis Tumbuhan Suku Apocynaceae serta Sumbangannya pada Pembelajaran Biologi SMA

This study aims to produce a 3D image representation of leaf epidermis tissue in several Apocynaceae plants as enrichment material for high school biology material. The method used is a descriptive method by observing the leaf epidermis tissue in several Apocynaceae plants, namely: Adenium obesum, Catharanthus roseus, Cerbera manghas, Nerium oleander, Plumeria alba and Wrightia antidysenterica. The representation of 3D images is done using Paint-3D software and arranged in the form of a booklet. The results showed that the representation of the structure of the epidermis and stomata in the form of 3D images displayed varying characteristics. The results of the feasibility test show that the booklet has an average score of 93 and is included in the very valid category. In conclusion, the 3D image representation of the epidermal tissue with Paint-3D software can display the characteristics of the tissue structure more clearly and the booklets that are arranged are suitable for use as teaching materials.
 Keywords: Apocynaceae, Epidermis, 3D Representation, Stomata

キョウチクトウ科植物由来抽出物による炎症促進性型M1マクロファージ活性化と破骨細胞分化の抑制

Macrophages play important roles in immune response and tissue homeostasis. In response to various extracellular stimuli, macrophages polarize and differentiate into subgroups such as M1 and M2 macrophages, and osteoclasts. Excessive M1 macrophage and osteoclast activation is associated with inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we find the Apocynaceae plant (AP) extract suppresses LPS-induced M1 activation and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages. Expression levels of LPS-induced nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF, IL-1β and IL-6 and RANKL-induced osteoclast marker genes such as NFATc1, CTSK, ACP5, DC-STAMP, ATP6V0D2 were suppressed by AP extract. AP extract inhibited LPS- and RANKL-induced phosphorylation of Akt and IκBα degradation. Furthermore, AP extract significantly reduced PDK1 kinase activity. Suppression of osteoclast differentiation by AP extract was partially rescued by a PDK1 activator PS-48. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of AP extract on LPS-induced M1 macrophage polarization and RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation are associated with suppression of PDK1-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway and may provide an important information for developing new therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.

Morphology, phylogeny, host association and geography of fungi associated with plants of Annonaceae, Apocynaceae and Magnoliaceae

Morphology, phylogeny, host association and geography of fungi associated with plants of Annonaceae, Apocynaceae and Magnoliaceae

Pharmacognostic evaluation of three Apocynaceae plants that share the same West African local names

Across West Africa, Tabernaemontana crassa Benth., Voacanga africana Stapf., and Rauvolfia vomitoria Azfel. (Apocynaceae) share the same local names, a situation that puts them at risk of unintended adulteration. The study aimed at setting macro- and micromorphological standards, phytochemical and physicochemical standards for the unequivocal differentiation of the three plants. Macro- and micro-morphological features, quantitative microscopy, soluble extractives, pH, ash values, fluorescence, phytochemical and thin layer chromatographic profiles of leaves, stem, and roots of the three plants were determined using standard methods. The whole leaves showed that all three plants possessed opposite petiolate leaves. The leaves of R. vomitoria and V. africana were elliptic in /shape, whereas T. crassa leaves were oblanceolate. Further differences in stomata arrangement, epidermal cells, histological features of their midribs, surface data determinations, phytochemical and physicochemical profiles of the leaves, stem bark and roots present useful data for clearly distinguishing between the three species. The determined parameters of the leaves, stems, and roots of T. crassa, V. africana, and R. vomitoria support the unequivocal identification of the individual plants. This is important for correct sourcing of these plants for herbal product manufacturers, regulators, and researchers.

Ethnobotany of the medicinal plants used by the ethnic communities of Kerman province, Southeast Iran

BackgroundTraditional medicine is a major component in the primary healthcare system in the southeast of Iran, which has a rich floral diversity. However, there is no comprehensive report on the use of medicinal herbs in this specific region. This traditional usage of medicinal plants by local communities could serve as a source for pharmacological and phytochemical studies. The main objective of this study was to identify ethnopharmacological knowledge on medicinal plant species and their local healing applications by the folk communities of Kerman province in the southeast of Iran.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 217 herbal healers using semi-structured questionnaires, open interviews, and field surveys. Factors including use reports (UR) for each species, frequency of citation (FC), and informant consensus factor (ICF) were used to analyze the data. Plant species were identified by botanists through standard taxonomic methods.ResultsA total of 402 medicinal plants were used in healing practices by the local communities of Kerman province. These species belong to 273 genera of 73 families, among which 367 species are dicotyledons, 27 are monocotyledons, 7 species are cryptogam, and one species is gymnosperm. An important implication from the current study is the identification of the traditional medicinal use of 292 plant species in this region for the first time. Asteraceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, and Fabaceae were the dominant medicinally utilized plant families, respectively. Leaf, flower, fruit, and seed were the most common plant parts used. Generally, crude drugs were used in the form of decoction, followed by poultice and infusion forms. Moreover, oral route is considered as the most common administration route followed by topical route. Endocrine (diabetes), dermatological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory problems were ranked as the most frequent ailment categories for which medicinal plants in this region were applied, respectively. Our findings suggested dominant use of Asteraceae and Apiaceae plants for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, Lamiaceae plants for respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, and Apocynaceae plants for dermatological problems.ConclusionOur findings suggested that Asteraceae and Apiaceae plants were used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, Lamiaceae plants for respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments, and Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae plants for dermatological problems. Among the medicinal plants with high UR and new ethnobotanical uses, Rhazya stricta was used for wound healing, Calotropis procera, Clematis ispahanica and Euphorbia spp. for eczema, Cionura erecta for the treatment of cough, Launaea acanthodes for the treatment of gastrointestinal parasites, Berberis integrrima as an antidiabetic medicinal herb, Dracocephalum polychaetum and Rydingia persica for various types of chronic diseases, Citrus limon and Citrus aurantium for the treatment of ocular diseases and making the traditional kohl, Calendula officinalis for the treatment of pterygium and Prosopis farcta for preventing nasal bleeding. The identified medicinal plants can be further evaluated for their pharmacological activity and underlying mechanisms of action.

Phenetic Kinship Relationship of Apocynaceae Family Based on Morphological and Anatomical Characters

Background: Biodiversity in Indonesia is so diverse, including in Apocynaceae plants that is why it is important to study the kinship relationship to find out the kinship of Apocynaceae. The purpose of this study was to determine phenetic kinship through morphological and anatomical evidence from four members of the Apocynaceae family. Methods: The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative and quantitative method. The samples in this study were four species of Apocynaceae family members, including Adenium obesum, Plumeria rubra, Catharanthus roseus, and Allamanda cathartica. The indicators used were the morphological traits of stems, leaves, and flowers and the anatomical trait of stomata. Results: The result showed that the phenetic kinship of the four species of the Apocynaceae family member namely Alamanda cathartica had a distant kinship relationship with the other species with a similarity value of 31%. Conclusions: Thus, the familial relationship between species in the Apocynaceae family in terms of morphological and anatomical characters that have a close relationship with Plumeria rubra and Adenium obesum with a similarity value of 44% and the most distant Alamanda cathartica with a similarity value of 31%.
 

Taxonomic Implication of Integrated Chemical, Morphological, and Anatomical Attributes of Leaves of Eight Apocynaceae Taxa

Up to now, the taxonomic conflict of the Apocynaceae family has attracted the attention of scientists and researchers worldwide. Recently, this family was divided into five subfamilies. The present study aims to investigate the implication of interlacing macro-, micro-morphological, anatomical, and chemical characteristics of the leaves of eight Apocynaceae plants (Adenium obesum, Dipladenia boliviensis, Carissacarandas, Nerium oleander, Asclepias curassavica, Calotropisprocera, Acokanthera oblongifolia, and Thevetia neriifolia), and to provide valuable taxonomic differentiation of these species. The macro-morphological investigation includes shape, apex, base, and venation of leaves, while the micro-morphological study includes leaf epidermal cells, stomata, and trichomes. The anatomical features of the leaf blade were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, the chemical composition of the silylated methanolic extract was analyzed by Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Sixty-three compounds were characterized from the silylated extracts of the eight plants, where quinic acid, sucrose, D-pinitol, and D-(−)-fructopyranose were determined as major compounds. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on the chemical composition revealed a significant chemical correlation among all species with the presence of sugars and amino acids, as well as phenolic acids and iridoid glycosides. The cluster analysis, based on all merged characters, showed that the eight species can be categorized into three clusters. The first cluster comprises A.obesum, A. curassavica, and T. neriifolia, while the second cluster contains D. boliviensis, N. oleander, A. oblongifolia, and C. carandas, and the third cluster consists of C. procera alone. This cluster revealed some similarities to the recent classification of Apocynaceae, while it showed inconsistency regarding A.obesum, C. procera, and N. oleander. Due to the obtained inconsistent data and observed variation among the studied species, further study is recommended for more characterization of these species, based on additional parameters, including molecular characteristics, particularly A.obesum, C. procera, and N. oleander.

Monoterpene indole alkaloids with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity from the leaves of Rauvolfia vomitoria

Seventeen monoterpene indole alkaloids, including seven new alkaloids (1–7) and ten known analogues (8–17), were isolated and identified from the leaves of R. vomitoria. The structures of new alkaloids were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Rauvomitorine I (1) represents the first example of an unprecedented C22 yohimbine-type monoterpene indole alkaloid featuring a carboxymethyl at C-14. The exceedingly rare vobasenal (2–3) and affinisine oxindole (5–6) framework type alkaloids are first reported from the Rauvolfia genus. Most notably, the structure of vobasenal-type alkaloids (2–3) were first determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Alkaloids 1–17 were tested their cytotoxicity against five cancer cell lines, however, none of them showed significant cytotoxicity at a concentration of 40 μM. All the isolated alkaloids were evaluated their acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities. Alkaloid 3 exhibited significant anti-AChE activity with an IC50 value of 16.39 ± 1.41 μM and alkaloids 8 and 10 showed moderate anti-AChE activities whereas the others (2, 9, 13, and 17) were weak inhibitors. This is the first report of vobasenal-type alkaloids as AChE inhibitors, indicating this type of alkaloids may be important sources for the discovery of new AChE inhibitors. A preliminary structure–activity relationship for AChE inhibitory activities showed the presence of the N-methyl group in vobasenal-type alkaloids may be essential for anti-AChE activity. Further molecular docking studies of vobasenal-type alkaloids revealed that interaction with Trp133 and Trp86 residues at hydrophobic subsite are necessary for the AChE inhibitory activities. This study not only enriches the chemical diversity of alkaloids in Apocynaceae plants but also provides new potential leading compounds and versatile scaffolds for the design and development of new AChE inhibitors to treat AD.

A review on antimicrobial botanicals, phytochemicals and natural resistance modifying agents from Apocynaceae family: Possible therapeutic approaches against multidrug resistance in pathogenic microorganisms.

Accelerated emergence of drug- resistant pathogenic microbes, their unbeatable virulence and a gradual loss of efficacy of currently used antimicrobial agents over the last decade, have expanded the scope of herbal medicine to combat this emerging challenge to have a wide spectrum of activity to develop effective medicines with lesser untoward side effects. Plant-based natural products should be of utmost interest to today's pharmaceutical industries since they are a primary source of new chemical entities directed at new drug targets. Apocynaceae or 'Dogbane' family has attained a global reputation as a source of some life-saving plant-derived products and novel compounds. Members of this family have also been extensively investigated against several nosocomial pathogenic microbes through in vitro and in vivo experimental settings. Several plant-derived components obtained from members of this family have also exhibited remarkable microbial growth inhibitory properties. Popular and widely accepted international databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, ResearchGate, Scopus, Google Scholar, JSTOR and more were searched using the various search strings such as Apocynaceae, antimicrobials, multidrug resistance, resistance modifying agents and pathogenic microorganisms were used in various combinations to retrieve several citations related to the topic. The current review encompasses recent developments in experimental studies and phytochemical analyses which correlates with antimicrobial efficacy of selected Apocynaceous plants along with synergistic mechanism and structural details. The present review recognizes and leverages the importance of Apocynaceae plants, which could be of significant interest in the development of more effective and less toxic antimicrobial drugs which may surmount multidrug resistance. Three different paradigm models harnessing clinical antimicrobial resistance (AMR) including the plant family Apocynaceae, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species have been broadly discussed in this review. In a nutshell, the present review represents a comprehensive account on the antimicrobials and resistance modifying agents obtained from the members of the plant family Apocynaceae and derived phytochemicals. It also gives an insight into the underlying mode of action of these phytochemicals against an array of pathogenic bacteria, their mechanism of antibiosis, plant parts from which the phytochemicals were isolated or the extracts was prepared with a critical discussion on the botanically-derived antibiotics as a template for antimicrobial drug development.

11-Methoxytabersonine Induces Necroptosis with Autophagy through AMPK/mTOR and JNK Pathways in Human Lung Cancer Cells.

Aspidosperma alkaloids, a subclass of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids rich in the Apocynaceae plants, possess remarkable antitumor activities, but the underlying mechanisms have rarely been reported. In the current project, 11-methoxytabersonine (11-MT), an aspidosperma-type alkaloid isolated from Tabernaemontana bovina, significantly inhibited the viability of two human lung cancer cell lines A549 and H157, and the molecular mechanisms were thus investigated. The results showed that 11-MT killed lung cancer cells via induction of necroptosis in an apoptosis-independent manner. In addition, 11-MT strongly induced autophagy in the two cell lines, which played a protective role against 11-MT-induced necroptosis. Finally, the autophagy caused by 11-MT was found to be via activation of the AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways in both cells. Taken together, 11-MT exhibited an antitumor mechanism different from that of previously reported analogues and could have the potential to serve as a lead compound for the development of new chemotherapy for lung cancer.

Adsorption of Cr (VI) From Polluted Water using Activated Carbon Prepared from Vincarosea Apocynaceae

The performance removal of chromium (VI) from polluted water is discussed in this paper. The sorption characteristic of Nitric Acid activated carbon derived from Vincarosea Apocynaceae plants through oxidation process and was proposed for the removal of Cr (VI) from polluted solutions. The surface chemistry characteristics of the prepared adsorbent were analysis by XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDAX. The effects are determined for removal of chromium they are initial concentration, PH level and adsorbent dose. The metal ion removal was pH dependent and, to a lesser extent, ionic strength. Kinetics data were found to follow the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Activation thermodynamic parameters, such as activation enthalpy (ΔH*), activation entropy (ΔS*), activation Gibbs free energy (ΔG*) and activation energy(E), have been evaluated and the possible adsorption mechanism also was suggested.

A mini-review on the phytochemistry and biological activities of selected Apocynaceae plants

This review aims at studying the phytochemistry and biological activities of some selected Apocynaceae plants. Eleven members of this family were reviewed for their phytochemistry and biological activities. Interestingly, the commonly isolated compounds reported from Mondia whitei (Hook.f.) Skeels, Secondatia floribunda A. DC, Carissa carandas, Tabernaemontana divaricate, Nerium oleander, Wrightia tinctoria, Tabernaemontana divaricate, Alstonia scholaris, Carrisa spinarum Linn, Thevetia peruviana and Caralluma lasiantha were triterpenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols, cardiac glycosides and lignans. All of them exhibited remarkable biological activities, mostly similar to each other. This review provides a detailed insight into the pharmacological activities of these selected members of this family.

Comparative Antiproliferative activity of aerial parts of few Apocynaceae plants in HepG2, HT29 and SK-OV3 Human cancer cell lines

Aims: Apocynaceae family is the 5th largest medicinal plant family rich in potent secondary metabolites such as Alkaloids, Cardiac glycosides,Terpenoids, irridoid/secoirridoids, flavonoids and Phenolic contents. The present study was aimed to evaluate and compare in-vitroantiproliferative activity of three plants of this family.Methods: Aerial parts of Carissa carandas Linn. (C), Nerium indicum Mill. (N) and Wrightia tinctoria RBr. (W), were collected and dried. Thepowdered drugs were extracted in Ethanol (1), 60% Ethanol (2) and Water (3). Estimation of Phytoconstituents performed using standardmethods. In-vitro cytotoxic activity performed using Sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay in HepG2, HT29 and SKOV3 human cancer cell lines takingAdriamycin (ADR) as standard. For extracts, GI50 value ≤ 20μg/ml was considered to demonstrate activity.Results: For HepG2 cell line graphs and photomicrographs showed GI50 value as ADR=39.79, C1=2.5, N2=66.3, N3<10 and C2=C3= N1=W1-3>80. Also TGI for C1>80. The extracts, C1, C2, N1, N2, and N3 were found to possess activity against HepG2.These extracts were screened onHT 29 and SKOV3cell lines. The GI50 value observed was<10 for C1, N2, N3 and ADR in HT 29 and <10 for N3 and ADR in SK OV3 cell lines.Thus it was found that aqueous extract of Nerium indicum (N3) and Ethanolic extract of Carissa carandas (C1) were most cytotoxic extractsagainst all three cell lines.Conclusions: our study establishes that Apocynaceae family plants could be an important anticancer lead and could serve as Botanical drug forneoplasia.Keywords: Apocynaceae, SRB Assay, Phytoconstituents, Anticancer drug screening models, Hep G2, HT 29, SK-OV3, HCC.

Effect of nonionizing rays on growth, chemical constituents, and molecular aspects of Catharanthus roseus plant

Background and objective Catharanthus roseus (L.) is a perennial tropical plant and is considered one of the important ornamental and medicinal plants of the family Apocynaceae. It is used as an anticancer and antidiabetic agent. Catharanthus leaves are used for menorrhagia and rheumatism. The laser rays are used as a physical method to improve the germination, the plant growth, and the vigor of the seeds. The study aimed to evaluate vegetative growth, flowering, and marker gene on Catharanthus leaves and to investigate its chemical constituents under the effect of laser rays. Materials and methods The pot experimental study was carried out at greenhouse of National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt, on C. roseus. Two types of laser [helium cadmium (He-Cd) and argon (Ar) laser] were used at different exposure times (0, 4, 8, and 12 min), and various morphological, flowering, chemical constituents were determined. Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker was used to illustrate the effect of He-Cd and Ar laser on C. roseus at different exposure time. Results Generally, the highest values of number of leaves, plant height, root length, fresh and dry weight of leaves, and number of days to flower, photosynthetic pigments, proline %, carbohydrate, vinblastine, and vincristine were obtained with 8 and 12 min of He-Cd laser treatments. Conversely, 4-min He-Cd and 8-min Ar laser time exposure recorded decrease in photosynthetic pigments, proline %, and carbohydrate concentration. ISSR showed that mean polymorphic percentage was 25%. ISSR investigation demonstrated that the control, He-Cd laser exposure for 8 min, and Ar laser exposure for 12 min of Catharanthus plant produced unique positive markers, which were found to be mutant specific. Conclusion It was concluded that laser rays with different time exposure had potential effect on growth, flowering, chemical constituents, and the production of Catharanthus plant.

Prospects of Traditionally important Apocynaceae plants of India in Cancer Remediation

Objectives: Apocynaceae Family plants in India had wide array of traditional uses and practised since years ago. This review aims to report selected plants of this possessing anticancer activity. Selected literature compiled from the search of electronic journals, books and encyclopedias etc. using search engines viz. Google, PubMed, Sciencedirect, GoogleScholar and SciFinder for all periods. The Dogbane family is includes atleast 150 genera and 1700 species. Around 25 genera and 50 species of the family reviewed here possess anticancer activity. The reason for this potential is due to: a) phytoconstituents b) poisonous constituents c) antimalarial activity and d) abundance of literature in traditional medicinal use. Folk medicinal uses and reported anticancer potential suggests that the Apocynaceae plants can be formulated or developed into lead compounds or novel drugs or multidrug complex for treatment of cancer. Detailed screening of each species has to be performed in 64 pannel cell lines, mechanistic study performed clearly and effectiveness of extracts, fractions or pure isolated compounds is to be compared.
 Keywords: Apocynaceae; Traditional Medicines; cancer; anticancer plants.