RESUMO
Traditional herbal medicine has become an important alternative in the treatment of various cancer types, including colon cancer, which represents one of the main health problems around the world. Therefore, the search for new therapies to counteract this disease is very active. Grias neuberthii is an endemic plant located in the Ecuadorian Amazon region, which has been used in traditional medicine for its pharmacological properties, including its ability to inhibit tumor cell growth, although scientific studies are limited. We have analyzed the effect of this plant on two colon carcinoma cell lines, that is, RKO (normal p53) and SW613-B3 (mutated p53) cells. Among several extracts obtained from various parts of G. neuberthii plant, we identified the extract with the greatest cytotoxic potential, derived from the stem bark. The cytotoxic effect was similar on both cell lines, thus indicating that it is independent of the status of p53. However, significant differences were observed after the analysis of colony formation, with RKO cells being more sensitive than SW613-B3. No evidence for apoptotic markers was recorded; nevertheless, both cell lines showed signs of autophagy after the treatment, including increased Beclin-1 and LC3-II and decreased p62. Finally, three chemical compounds, possibly responsible for the effect observed in both cell lines, were identified: lupeol (1), 3'-O-methyl ellagic acid 4-O-ß-D-rhamnopyranoside (2), and 19-α-hydroxy-asiatic acid monoglucoside (3).
RESUMO
Intestinal parasites delay mental and physical development in children. Infection with these parasites can result in complications during pregnancy and alter the health of newborns, which has long-term effects on educational attainment and economic productivity. The appearance of resistance against classical drug treatments generates interest in the development of new deworming alternatives. We think that research of new plants species may reveal potential antiparasitic compounds. This review is focused on the use of plants and secondary metabolites against intestinal parasites. We discuss the use of plants in traditional medicine and the use of plant secondary metabolites tried in in vitro and in vivo models when available.
