Calotropis procera extract induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in human skin melanoma (SK-MEL-2) cells.

Calotropis procera (family: Asclepiadaceae) contains cardiac glycosides which are cytotoxic to cancer cells. The extracts of C. procera have been reported to be cytotoxic to many cancer cell lines and this is the first report against the human skin melanoma cells (SK-MEL-2). The SK-MEL-2 cells treated with C. procera methanolic extract (CPME) were analysed for growth inhibition and apoptosis. The exposure of phosphatidylserine in apoptotic SK-MEL-2 was analysed by using the Annexin-V FITC flow cytometry method. In CPME-treated SK-MEL-2 cells, 19.6% of apoptotic and 58.3% dead cells were observed. The 15.97% and 15.85% of early apoptotic cells were found at 20 µg/mL of the ouabain and paclitaxel, respectively. Active caspases, nuclear degradation confirmed apoptotic SK-MEL-2 cells in time- and dose-dependent manner. The cell cycle analysis shows that CPME treated cells halt at G2/M phase. Significant cytotoxic activity of CPME against SK-MEL-2 may be attributed to its high cardenolide content.

Ionic liquid promoted synthesis, antibacterial and in vitro antiproliferative activity of novel α-aminophosphonate derivatives.

Ionic liquid ethyl ammonium nitrate is used as an excellent catalyst and solvent for three-component one-pot reaction of an aldehydes, amines and diethylphosphite to form novel α-aminophosphonates at room temperature. Among the various catalysts, the preparation of ethyl ammonium nitrate is an environmental friendly, cost effective and recyclable catalyst. Compounds 4b, 4c, 4d, 4f and 4j were found more potent antibacterials against pathogenic microorganisms. Whereas, compounds 4a, 4g, 4h and 4j inhibits growth of active Escherichia coli NCIM 2645 and Salmonella typhi NCIM 2501. Compound 4j was found a promising antiproliferative agent against A549 and SK-MEL2 human melanoma cell lines.