In Vitro Cytotoxic Potential and Apoptotic Activity of Bufadienolide-rich Fraction from Leaves of Kalanchoe mortagei against Human HeLa Cancer Cells

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition as well as to assess the cytotoxicity of Kalanchoe mortagei. Materials and Methods: The plant chemical composition was determined by HPLC coupled to mass spectrometer. The cytotoxicity of methanol extract from leaves  of Kalanchoe mortagei (KB) was carried out against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa), breast cancer (MCF-7), brain cancer (U373),  breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) and  umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.  KB was added at various concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml. In addtion, cell morphological changes  and apoptosis were also evaluated. Results: A bufadienolides-rich fraction (BRF) containing nine bufadienolides was identified by HPLC/MS which  to significantly reduce proliferation of HeLa cells. Bufadienolides identified included 3β-Acetate Hellebrigenin, Bufotalinin, 19-Oxo-bufalin, Hellebrigenin, Monohydroxy-bufotalin, 19-oxo-desacetylcinobufagin, 1β-Hidroxybufalin, Bufalin, and 3-Dehydroxy cinobufagin. Discussion & Conclusion:  K. mortagei contains bufadienolides with specific cytotoxic activity on cancer cells without affect to normal cells, suggesting that its consumption could be considered as a potential therapy against cancer