Kaurenoic acid from Annona squamosa L. exhibits antiproliferative effect on human tumor cell lines and induces apoptosis in Aspergillus nidulans

Abstract

Annona squamosa is a source of bioactive compounds, with several pharmacological activities. However, tests are needed to confirm the safety of these compounds in terms of cytogenotoxic potential and their possible medicinal activity. Thus, the aims of the present study were to isolate kaurenoic acid from sugar apple peel and determine its antiproliferative activity in nine human tumor cell lines and mutagenic activity in germinating Aspergillus nidulans conidia. Chemical extraction resulted in the isolation of kaurenoic acid, a terpene that demonstrated a cytostatic effect at concentrations of 25 and 250 µg mL-1 and antiproliferative at a concentration 250 µg mL-1. The germination test showed that this compound can activate apoptosis, since there was an increase in dead conidia and a decrease in malformed individuals in all treatments. These results indicate its antiproliferative effect and apoptosis activation, representing a useful tool in the development of new chemotherapy drugs.