Canniprene B, a new prenylated dihydrostilbene with cytotoxic activities from the leaves of Cannabis sativa.

A new, canniprene B (4), along with five known (1-3 and 5-6) dihydrostilbenes were isolated from the leaves of Cannabis sativa collected at CSIR - IIIM, Jammu, India. Structures of all isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. Canniprene B is a new prenylated dihydrostilbenes, a positional isomer of the known compound canniprene (5). The cytotoxic activities of these compounds (1-6) were evaluated using the SRB assay against a panel of five human cancer cell lines. Notably, canniprene B (4) exhibited varying levels of cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging from 2.5 to 33.52 µM, demonstrating the most potent activity against pancreatic cancer cells.

Ginnalin A and hamamelitannin: the unique gallotannins with promising anti-carcinogenic potential.

Tannins are secondary metabolites that belong to the family of polyphenolic compounds and have gained a huge interest among researchers due to their versatile therapeutic potential. After lignin, these are the second most abundant polyphenols found in almost every plant part like stem, bark, fruit, seed, leaves, etc. Depending upon their structural composition, these polyphenols can be divided into two distinct groups, namely condensed tannins and hydrolysable tannins. Hydrolysable tannins can be further divided into two types: gallotannins and ellagitannins. Gallotannins are formed by the esterification of D-glucose hydroxyl groups with gallic acid. The gallolyl moieties are bound by a depside bond. The current review focuses mainly on the anti-carcinogenic potential of recently discovered gallotannins, ginnalin A, and hamamelitannin (HAM). Both of these gallotannins possess two galloyl moieties linked to a core monosaccharide having anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic abilities. Ginnalin A is found in plants of the genus Acer whereas HAM is present in witch hazel plants. The biosynthetic pathway of ginnalin A along with the mechanism of the anti-cancer therapeutic potential of ginnalin A and HAM has been discussed. This review will certainly help researchers to work further on the chemo-therapeutic abilities of these two unique gallotannins.

Pseudolycorine N-oxide, a new N-oxide from Narcissus tazetta.

A new N-oxide, Pseudolycorine N-oxide (1) was characterised along with eleven known alkaloids homolycorine (2), O-methylmaritidine (3), 8-O-demethylhomolycorine (4), homolycorine N-oxide (5), lycorine (6), narciclasine (7), pseudolycorine (8), ungeremine (9), 8-O-demethylmaritidine (10), zefbetaine (11) and lycorine N-oxide (12), from Narcissus tazetta. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. The extract, fractions and isolated compounds were screened for in vitro cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines, human cervical cancer (SiHa) and human epidermoid carcinoma (KB) cells. The study demonstrated the cytotoxic potential of extract and its chloroform and n-butanol fractions. Further, the results revealed the bioactive potential of narciclasine, pseudolycorine and homolycorine alkaloids. However, new N-oxide (1) was not active against these cell lines.

Narciclasine-4-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside, a new narciclasine glycoside from Zephyranthes minuta.

A new narciclasine glycoside, narciclasine-4-O-ß-D-xylopyranoside (1) was characterised along with four known alkaloids pancratistatin (2), 1-O-(3-hydroxybutyryl) pancratistatin (3), vittatine (4), 9-O-demethylgalanthine (5) from Zephyranthes minuta. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic study of extract, fractions and isolated compounds against two human cancer cell lines (KB and SiHa) indicated the potential activity of extract and n-butanol fraction due to presence of active alkaloids pancratistatin, 1-O-(3-hydroxybutyryl) pancratistatin, lycorine and haemanthamine.

Isolation of Phytochemicals from Bauhinia variegata L. Bark and Their In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential.

Plants have been the basis of traditional medicine since the dawn of civilizations. Different plant parts possess various phytochemicals, playing important roles in preventing and curing diseases. Scientists, through extensive experimental studies, are playing an important part in establishing the use of phytochemicals in medicine. However, there are still a large number of medicinal plants which need to be studied for their phytochemical profile. In this study, the objective was to isolate phytochemicals from bark of Bauhinia variegata L. and to study them for their antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. The bark was extracted with methanol, followed by column chromatography and thus isolating kaempferol, stigmasterol, protocatechuic acid-methyl ester (PCA-ME) and protocatechuic acid (PCA). 2,2-azinobis-3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2, 2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical scavenging assays were utilized for assessment of antioxidant activity, and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye reduction assay was used to determine cytotoxic activity against C-6 glioma rat brain, MCF-7 breast cancer, and HCT-15 colon cancer cell lines. The compounds were found to have significant antioxidant and cytotoxic activity. Since there is a considerable increase in characterizing novel chemical compounds from plant parts, the present study might be helpful for chemotaxonomic determinations, for understanding of medicinal properties as well as for the quality assessment of herbal supplements containing B. variegata bark, thus establishing its use in traditional medicine.

Bioactive isoquinoline alkaloids from Cissampelos pareira †.

The phytochemical and biological investigation of Cissampelos pareira leads to the isolation of one new isoquinoline alkaloid (7) along with six known isoquinoline alkaloids, namely, magnoflorine (1), magnocurarine (2), cissamine (3), curine (4), hayatinine (5) and cycleanine (6). Magnoflorine (1) and magnocurarine (2) were isolated for the first time from C. pareira. A new, rapid, simple and sensitive UPLC method was developed for simultaneous quantification of five pure compounds (1-5). Seasonal variation study revealed higher content of these compounds during the rainy season. The chloroform (CPCF) and n-butanol (CPBF) fractions showed cytotoxic efficacy against KB cells. Among pure compounds, hayatinine (5) was found to be most active against KB and A549, while, cycleanine (6) against KB cells.

UPLC-DAD quantification of chemical constituents of Potentilla atrosanguinea roots and their antioxidant activity.

Potentilla atrosanguinea, native to Himalayan region, is well known for its curative effects in traditional medicinal system. An ultra performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection method for the quantification of constituents of root part of P. atrosanguinea has been developed along with antioxidant activity evaluation. A simple and sensitive quantification method developed for seven compounds however only four compounds; p-coumaric acid (4), rutin (7), tiliroside (14) and kaempferol (16) were quantified as others were in lesser amount. Syringic acid and quercetin were found in trace amount whereas chlorogenic acid was absent in the ethanol extract of roots of P. atrosanguinea. Total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents were determined to be 21.75 mg of gallic acid equivalent and 8.57 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of dry plant material, respectively. Antioxidant activity of extract was assessed using three assays; 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The IC50 values; 35.75 µg/ml and 30.35 µg/ml by DPPH and ABTS assays for ethanolic extract showed excellent free radical scavenging potential of its root part. The ferric reducing ability (FRAP) value, 26.67 mg of ascorbic acid per gram also indicated its higher antioxidant potential.

Chemical Composition, Cytotoxic and Antibacterial Activities of Essential Oils of Cultivated Clones of Juniperus communis and Wild Juniperus Species.

Needles of seven cultivated clones (C1 - C7) of Juniperus communis at lower altitude and three wild Juniperus species (J. communis, J. recurva and J. indica) at higher altitudes were investigated comparatively for their essential oils (EOs) yields, chemical composition, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities. The EOs yields varied from 0.26 to 0.56% (v/w) among samples. Sixty-one volatile components were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and quantified using gas chromatography GC (FID) representing 82.5 - 95.7% of the total oil. Monoterpene hydrocarbons (49.1 - 82.8%) dominated in all samples (α-pinene, limonene and sabinene as major components). Principal component analysis (PCA) of GC data revealed that wild and cultivated Juniperus species are highly distinct due to variation in chemical composition. J. communis (wild species) displayed cytotoxicity against SiHa (human cervical cancer), A549 (human lung carcinoma) and A431 (human skin carcinoma) cells (66.4 ± 2.2%, 74.4 ± 1.4% and 57.4 ± 4.0%), respectively, at 200 µg/ml. EOs exhibited better antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria than against Gram-negative bacteria with the highest zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus MTCC 96 (19.2 ± 0.7) by clone-7. As per the conclusion of the findings, EOs of clone-2, clone-5 and clone-7 can be suggested to the growers of lower altitude, as there is more possibility of uses of these EOs in food and medicinal preparations.

Purple head broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck), a functional food crop for antioxidant and anticancer potential.

Natural foods are used in many folks and household treatments and have immense potential to treat a serious complication and health benefits, in addition to the basic nutritional values. These food products improve health, delay the aging process, increase life expectancy, and possibly prevent chronic diseases. Purple head Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Plenck is one of such foods and in current studies was explored for chemical compounds at different development stages by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Antioxidant potential was explored employing different assays like molybdate ion reduction, DPPH, superoxide anion radical scavenging and plasmid nicking assay. Inspired by antioxidant activity results, we further explored these extracts for antiproliferative potential by morphological changes, cell cycle analysis, measurement of intracellular peroxides and mitochondrial membrane potential changes. Current study provides the scientific basis for the use of broccoli as easily affordable potent functional food.

Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic and Cytotoxic Activity of Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq. Bark Fractions and their Phytochemical Analysis using UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS.

BACKGROUND: Anthocephalus cadamba is used in traditional and folklore medicinal system. OBJECTIVES: In order to validate its traditional medicinal claim, the present study was designed to assess antioxidant, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic activity of fractions from Anthocephalus cadamba bark and to identify their active phytoconstituents. METHODS: The four fractions viz. hexane (HACB), chloroform (CACB), ethylacetate (EACB) and nbutanol (NACB) were fractionated from the crude methanol extract from bark of A. cadamba. All fractions were evaluated for antiradical efficacy using various in vitro antioxidant assays and for antigenotoxicity by SOS chromotest using E. coli PQ37 tester strain. Cytotoxic potential was checked using MTT assay. RESULTS: Among the four fractions, EACB and NACB exhibited promising radical quenching potential in DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical scavenging and pBR322 plasmid DNA nicking assays. All the fractions were evaluated for genotoxic and antigenotoxic activity in SOS chromotest using E. coli PQ37 tester strain. Results revealed that fractions were non-genotoxic and have potential to suppress the genotoxicity induced by 4NQO (4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide) and AFB1 (aflatoxin B1). NACB was found to inhibit the growth of colon (COLO 205) cancer cells with GI50 of 54.36 µg/ml. To identify bioactive principles in the active fractions, NACB and EACB were subjected to UPLC-electrospray-ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry which revealed the presence of 3ß-isodihyrocadambine-oxide, cadambine, phelasin A/B, 3ß- dihydrocadambine and 3'-O-caffeoylsweroside like compounds. CONCLUSIONS: Overall results revealed that A. cadamba is a rich source of antioxidant, antigenotoxic and cytotoxic constituents which may find their significance in various food and pharmaceutical products.

Investigations on Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and COX-2 Inhibitory Potential of Alkaloids from Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq. Leaves.

In the present study, an ayurvedic medicinal plant, Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq. commonly known as 'Kadamb' was explored for its potential against oxidative stress and cancer. The fractions namely AC-4 and ACALK (alkaloid rich fraction) were isolated from A. cadamba leaves by employing two different isolation methods and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. The structure of the isolated AC-4 was characterized tentatively as dihydrocadambine by using various spectroscopic techniques such as ESI-QTOF-MS, 1 H- and 13 C-NMR, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, and HMBC. Results of various antioxidant assays viz. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS cation radical, superoxide anion radical scavenging, and plasmid nicking assay demonstrated that both the fractions viz. AC-4 and ACALK possess ability to scavenge DPPH, ABTS radicals and effectively protected plasmid pBR322 DNA from damage caused by hydroxyl radicals. Further, when both fractions were evaluated for their potential to suppress growth of HeLa and COLO 205 cells, only ACALK fraction showed antiproliferative effects. ACALK exhibited GI50 of 205.98 and 99.54 µg/ml in HeLa and COLO 205 cell lines, respectively. Results of Hoechst staining in cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells confirmed that ACALK induced cell death in HeLa cells via apoptotic mode. Both the fractions also inhibited COX-2 enzyme activity.

3-Butenyl isothiocyanate: a hydrolytic product of glucosinolate as a potential cytotoxic agent against human cancer cell lines.

The present study envisages the cytotoxic potential of 3-butenyl isothiocyanate isolated from Brassica juncea L. Czern var. Pusa Jaikisan against the human cancer cell lines viz. prostate, bone osteosarcoma, cervical, liver, neuroblastoma and breast cancer. As the compound was observed to be more effective against prostate cancer cell line, therefore, this cell line was further used to study the mechanism of cell death using neutral red assay, reactive oxygen species assay, mitochondrial membrane potential assay, microscopic and cell cycle analysis. The mechanistic analysis indicated that it induced the cell death of prostate cancer cells via apoptosis and hence made it an excellent choice as an effective anticancer compound.

Isolation and characterization of flavanols from Anthocephalus cadamba and evaluation of their antioxidant, antigenotoxic, cytotoxic and COX-2 inhibitory activities

ABSTRACT In search of lead molecules for use in disease prevention and as food additive from natural sources, two flavanols were isolated from leaves of Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq., Rubiaceae. Their structures were established as 6-hydroxycoumarin-(4"→8)-(-)-epicatechin and 6-hydroxycoumarin-(4"→8)-(-)-epicatechin-(4→6‴)-(-)-epicatechin on the basis of spectroscopic data. Both the compounds exhibited potent antioxidant and antigenotoxic activity. 6-Hydroxycoumarin-(4"→8)-(-)-epicatechin scavenged DPPH, ABTS+.and superoxide anion radicals with IC50 values of 6.09 µg/ml, 5.95 µg/ml and 42.70 µg/ml respectively whereas the IC50 values for 6-hydroxycoumarin-(4"→8)-(-)-epicatechin-(4→6‴)-(-)-epicatechin were 6.62 µg/ml for DPPH free radicals, 6.93 µg/ml for ABTS radical cations and 49.08 µg/ml for superoxide anion radicals. Both the compounds also exhibited potent reducing potential in reducing power assay and protected the plasmid DNA (pBR322) against the attack of hydroxyl radicals generated by Fenton's reagent in DNA protection assay. In SOS chromotest, 6-hydroxycoumarin-(4"→8)-(-)-epicatechin decreased the induction factor induced by 4NQO (20 µg/ml) and aflatoxin B1 (20 µg/ml) by 31.78% and 65.04% respectively at a concentration of 1000 µg/ml. On the other hand, 6-hydroxycoumarin-(4"→8)-(-)-epicatechin-(4→6‴)-(-)-epicatechin decreased the genotoxicity of these mutagens by 37.11% and 47.05% respectively. It also showed cytotoxicity in COLO-205 cancer cell line with GI50 of 435.71 µg/ml. Both the compounds showed moderate cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory activity.

To Analyze the Amelioration of Phenobarbital Induced Oxidative Stress by Erucin, as Indicated by Biochemical and Histological Alterations.

PURPOSE: Phenobarbital is a commonly employed antidepressant and anti-epileptic drug. The cancer promoting activity of this genotoxic xenobiotic is often ignored. It is responsible for oxidative stress leading to modulation in xenobiotic and antioxidative enzymes. Glucosinolates and more specifically their hydrolytic products are known for their antioxidative and anticancer activities. The present study involves the analysis of hepatoprotective effect of erucin (isolated from Eruca sativa (Mill.) Thell.) against phenobarbital mediated hepatic damage in male wistar rats. METHODS: The liver homogenate was analyzed for oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, guaiacol peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase and lactate dehydrogenase), other oxidative parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive species, conjugated dienes and lipid hydroperoxide), phase I enzymes (NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase, cytochrome P420, cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b5), phase II enzymes (γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, DT-diaphorase and glutathione-S-transferase), serum parameters (alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, direct bilirubin and total bilirubin) and certain histological parameters. RESULTS: Erucin accorded protection from phenobarbital induced hepatic damage by normalizing antioxidative enzymes, other oxidative parameters, phase I, II, and serum parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Erucin, an analogue of sulforaphane has the potential to act as an anticancer agent by regulating various biochemical parameters.

Comprehensive Chemical Profiling of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth Using NMR, HPTLC and LC-MS/MS Techniques.

Picrorhiza kurroa is an important herb in Indian medicine and contains cucurbitacins, flavonoids, phenolics, iridoid-glucoside and their derivatives as active constituents for the treatment of indigestion, fever, hepatitis, cancer, liver and respiratory diseases. Extensive use of P. kurroa needs detailed analysis and recognition of chemical diversity, is of great importance to evaluate their role as quality control markers. In the present study, comprehensive metabolic profiling of crude extracts of leaves and rhizomes of P. kurroa was carried out using NMR, HPTLC and LC-MS/MS. Primary and secondary metabolites were unambiguously identified along with a new report of monoterpenic glycoside (1-ß-D-glucopyranosyl)-8-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-oct-2(E),6(E)-dienoate) in P. Kurroa. Significant qualitative differences with respect to the secondary metabolites were noticed between the leaves and rhizomes tissues. Leaves contained more cucurbitacins and flavonoids while iridoids were present more in rhizomes. The comprehensive chemical profiling is expected to give an idea of chemical diversity and quality of P. kurroa, for their ultimate utilisation in various applications.

Validation of ethnomedicinal potential of Tinospora cordifolia for anticancer and immunomodulatory activities and quantification of bioactive molecules by HPTLC.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers ex Hook. f. & Thomas. (Menispermaceae) is one of the most widely used plants in various traditional medicinal systems including "Ayurveda". The plant is used for the treatment of jaundice, rheumatism, urinary disorder, skin diseases, diabetes and anemia. The phytoconstituents present in the plant belongs to different class of compounds such as alkaloids, diterpenoids lactones, glycosides, steroids, phenol, aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of present study was the isolation, structure elucidation, quantification and pharmacological evaluation of secondary metabolites from T. cordifolia for anticancer and immunomodulatory activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different extracts and fractions were prepared from the stem of T. cordifolia. Pure molecules were isolated using normal phase chromatography and characterized on the basis of NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. The anti-cancer and immunomodulatory activities of different extracts, fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated against four different human cancer cell lines, KB (human oral squamous carcinoma), CHOK-1 (hamster ovary), HT-29 (human colon cancer) and SiHa (human cervical cancer) and murine primary cells respectively. A simple, normal phase HPTLC method was also developed for the quantification of three bioactive compounds i.e N-formylannonain (1), 11-hydroxymustakone (5) and yangambin (8) in the stem of T. cordifolia hosted on fifteen different plants. RESULTS: Chromatographic purification of different fractions led to the isolation of eight pure molecules i.e N-formylannonain (1), magnoflorine (2), jatrorrhizine (3) palmatine (4), 11-hydroxymustakone (5), cordifolioside A (6), tinocordiside (7) and yangambin (8). All extracts and fractions were active against KB and CHOK-1 cells whereas among the pure molecules palmatine (4) was found to be active against KB and HT-29; tinocordiside (7) against KB and CHOK-1; yangambin (8) against KB cells however N-formylannonain (1) and 11-hydroxymustakone (5), was found active for immunomodulatory activity. HPTLC quantification of three active molecules i.e N-formylannonain (1), 11-hydroxymustakone (5), and yangambin (8) were found in highest quantity in the stem of T. cordifolia hosted on Mangifera indica, however, other two active molecules were not quantified due to their insufficient quantity. CONCLUSION: Eight compounds have been isolated and characterized belonging to different classes. The pharmacological evaluation of extract, fractions and pure molecules revealed the ethnomedicinal value of T. cordifolia for anticancer and immunomodulatory activities.

Cytotoxic agents for KB and SiHa cells from n-hexane fraction of Cissampelos pareira and its chemical composition.

Eleven constituents were characterised by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, and five molecules were isolated using column chromatography. The in vitro study of the extract and isolated molecules against KB and SiHa cell lines revealed oleanolic acid (1) and oleic acid (2) as potent cytotoxic molecules with potential anticancer activity. The IC50 values of n-hexane extract (CPHF), oleanolic acid (1) and oleic acid (2) were >300, 56.08 and 70.7 µg/mL (µM), respectively, against KB cell lines and >300, 47.24 and 80.2 µg/mL (µM), respectively, against SiHa cell lines.

Evaluating extraction conditions of glucosinolate hydrolytic products from seeds of Eruca sativa (Mill.) Thell. using GC-MS.

UNLABELLED: Glucosinolates and their hydrolytic products form an important class of plant secondary metabolites involved in various plant defense-linked mechanisms. The successful isolation of particular glucosinolate hydrolytic products is limited by a number of factors like understanding the parent glucosinolate moiety, solubility, and stability under different drying conditions. The extraction protocols currently available were modified to achieve both an increased yield as well as an increased number of hydrolytic products. Eruca sativa (Mill.) Thell. (called arugula in the U.S.A.), a rich source of varied glucosinolates, was used for the standardization of different extraction protocols. We exploited the volatile nature of the glucosinolates and developed a method that not only enhanced the yield of glucosinolate hydrolytic products, but also reduced undesired compounds. Among all the tested protocols, hydrodistillation using Clevenger apparatus was judged as the best protocol, which was evident from an enhanced yield as well as an increased number of hydrolytic products when compared to the other methods as monitored by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Glucosinolate hydrolytic products are important volatile metabolites that are difficult to extract. The different conditions, such as extraction method, solvent, and dryingmethods, are responsible for successful extractions. An improved extraction method will help in a better isolation of these valuable compounds, which may then be used for different biological activities such as anticancer, antimutagenic, bioherbicidal, antimicrobial, antigenotoxic, and antitumor activities.

Fatty acid composition, physicochemical properties, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of apple seed oil obtained from apple pomace.

BACKGROUND: Apple pomace is generated in huge quantities in juice-processing industries the world over and continuous efforts are being made for its inclusive utilization. In this study, apple seeds separated from industrial pomace were used for extraction of oil. The fatty acid composition, physicochemical and antioxidant as well as in vitro anticancer properties of extracted oil were studied to assess its suitability in food and therapeutic applications. RESULTS: The fatty acid composition of seed oil revealed the dominance of oleic (46.50%) and linoleic acid (43.81%). It had high iodine (121.8 g I 100 g⁻¹) and saponification value (184.91 mg KOH g⁻¹ oil). The acid value, refractive index and relative density were 4.28 mg KOH g⁻¹, 1.47 and 0.97 mg mL⁻¹, respectively. The antioxidant potential (IC50) of apple seed oil was 40.06 µg mL⁻¹. Cytotoxicity of apple seed oil against CHOK1, SiHa and A549 cancer cell lines ranged between 0.5 ± 0.06% and 88.6 ± 0.3%. CONCLUSION: The physicochemical properties of apple seed oil were comparable with edible food oil, indicating its better stability and broad application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Apple seed oil could be a good source of natural antioxidants. Also, the in vitro cytotoxic activity against specific cell lines exhibited its potential as an anticancer agent.

Zephgrabetaine: a new betaine-type amaryllidaceae alkaloid from Zephyranthes grandiflora.

Zephgrabetaine (1), a new betaine type Amaryllidaceae alkaloid, along with seven known alkaloids, lycorine, galanthine, lycoramine, hamayne, haemanthamine, tortuosine, and ungeremine were isolated from the bulbs of Zephyranthes grandiflora and their structures elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. The isolated alkaloids were tested for in vitro cytotoxic activities against two cell lines, C-6 (rat glioma cells) and CHO-K1 (Chinese hamster ovary cells). A dose dependent cytotoxic effect was exhibited by all the alkaloids on these two cancer cell lines with prominent activity of lycorine and haemanthamine.