Anticancer and anti-inflammatory perspectives of Pakistan’s indigenous berry Grewia asiatica Linn ( Phalsa )

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Berries indigenously grown in Asia are known for their diversified nutritional and health promoting properties. Establishing a link between berry consumption and their classical uses in health management however requires detailed research in exploring varied biochemical factors and their therapeutic role in averting risks of chronic disorders.

OBJECTIVE:

The present study was aimed at evaluating anti-inflammatory and anticancer responses of fruit extracts of Grewia asiatica locally known as Phalsa.

METHODS:

Dichloromethane, methanol and 50% hydro-methanolic fractions of fruit were evaluated for polyphenols characterization, quantification and antioxidant assays. Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive responses of fruit extracts were evaluated in rats and mice models, respectively, and cytotoxic activities were measured against MCF-7, HeLa, HEp-2, NCI-H522, HEK-293 cancer cell cultures.

RESULTS:

Phenolics quantification and biological study data suggested 50% hydro-methanolic extracts as maximum carrier of flavonoids (7.92 mgQE/g), anthocyanins (8.1 mg/Kg) and tannins (187.2 mgGAE/g) that significantly (p < 0.05)resulted in higher oxidation inhibition (IC50 41.1 ug/ml), paw edema inhibition (68–74%) and pain mediation in neurogenic phase(31–62%) when administrated at the rate of 400 mg/kg b.w. Maximum cytotoxic activity of G. asiatica (50% hydro-methanolic extracts) was observed against MCF-7 (IC50 34.9 ug/mL), HEp-2 (IC50 80.4 ug/mL) and NCI-H522 (IC50 73 ug/mL) cancer cell lines. LC-ESI-MS/MS characterization of hydro-alcoholic fractions bearing potent biological activities revealed Gallic acid, Ellagic acid, Quinic acid, Calycosin, Vidalenolone, Quercetin, Myricetin, Liquitrigenin and 6-aldehydo-isoophiopogonone. Human equivalent doses of the extracts calculated on the basis of total phenolic contents for anti-inflammatory and nociceptive assays were in range between 6.2–15.8 mg/kg b.w., and 3.1–7.9 mg/kg b.w., respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Findings of the study suggest G. asiatica fruit extracts are a potential source of bioactive compounds that might further be explored for anti-inflammatory and anticancer drug discovery and its clinical exploitation. Study concludes supplementation of G. asiatica extracts as possible approach to acquire curative properties in human subjects.

Keywords

inflammation cancer cytotoxicity breast cancer

1 Introduction

Ever increasing number of deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, inflammations and many other have gained attention of health experts, researchers and policy makers toward creating strict dietary behavioral changes and promoting healthy eating practices. Plant centric foods, especially fruits and vegetables, have shown a positive effect in averting the risks of chronic health ailments on account of their ability to deliver a wide range of phytochemicals which exhibit anti-oxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory activities [1 –3].

Excessive generation of free radicals leads toward oxidative stress, protein, and DNA damage. Most fruits are naturally composed of valuable phytochemicals and metabolites possessing the ability for scavenging free radicals in a living system thus showing promising health-promoting properties [2 –5]. Berry fruits are rich reservoirs of polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins, and are gaining popularity for the enhanced anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. Other promising therapeutic features of berry fruits are associated with their potential for being antidiabetic, antipyretic, and anti-aging agents linked to their unique biomolecular composition [6, 7].

Grewia genus (Tiliacae) contains almost 150 species of small to medium shrubs native to the Himalayan region grown in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world with G. asiatica being the only specie producing edible fruits. This fruit has been widely grown in South Asian countries. Almost 10 species are found in Pakistan, which are primarily grown in Punjab province [8, 9].

G. asiatica, locally known as Phalsa, is traditionally known for its elevated therapeutic and nutritional value. Traditionally consumed during summer months, the juice of G. asiatica is considered to be a therapeutic agent in diabetes, and associated micro and macrovascular comorbidities, i.e., diabetic nephropathy and risk of coronary heart diseases [2, 10]. The phytochemistry of G. asiatica revealed the presence of primary metabolites such as glycosides, alkaloids, essential amino acids, saponins, mucilage, steroids and fixed seed oil [11] while a range of secondary metabolites like naringenin, pelargonidin, cyanidin, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxymethylfurfural were reported from this fruit [2, 12].

The complex phytochemical profile of G. asiatica warrants its exploration to identify health promoting feature of the fruit and to ascertain their potential role for disease prevention. The present research study is an attempt to explore phytochemical profile, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential of a locally grown cultivar of G. asiatica.

2 Material and methods

2.1 Plant material

G. asiatica was collected from the district Multan, Punjab, Pakistan in March, 2017 and was verified for varietal identification by qualified pomologists. Berries were processed to yield whole fruit juice and seeds were removed by straining. The juice extracts of the fruit were obtained by successive fractionation with solvents including hexane, dichloromethane, methanol and 50% methanol. Solvents extracts were concentrated under reduced pressure (800 millibar) in a rotary evaporator (Heidolph, Hei-Vap, Germany). The recovery rates of fruit extracts derived by successive extraction process were 0.45% and 1.28% for 100% methanol and 50% methanol, respectively. Extracts recovered were stored at –70 C in ultralow freezer (Sanyo, MDF-U32 V, Japan) for further use.

2.2 Phytochemical screening

The qualitative screening of G. asiatica fruit was performed for the presence of secondary metabolites including flavonoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and alkaloids using standard methods of analysis [13].

2.3 Solvents and reagents

Solvents (n-hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, and dimethylsulphoxide), reference/standards (ascorbic acid, gallic acid, tannic acid, quercetin, cyanidin-3-glycosides, indomethacin, and methotrexate), and inflammatory mediators (Carrageenan, PEG₂, glutamate, formalin) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich, USA. MTT3was purchased from BiosesangInc., Korea. Folin-Ciocalteu, Folin-Denis reagent and 2,4,6-Tripyridyl-s-triazine (TPTZ) from Sigma Aldrich, USA. The chemicals, reagents and solvents used in this study were of analytical grade unless otherwise stated.

2.4 Experimental animal study

The animal use protocol was approved by the Bioethical Committee at Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan in 2018 under the protocol number 05-18 titled “Exploring in vivo anti-inflammatory properties of indigenous berries of Pakistan”. Albino mice (n – 120) and Wistar rats (n – 80), weighing from 25–30 g and 200– 300 g, respectively were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Rearing Facility at Department of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan. The animals were housed two per cage and provided with easy access to water and feed in a controlled environment (25°C ± 4°C, 12/12 light dark cycles) at laboratory animal rearing facility of Institute of Food Science & Nutrition. Hygiene of the cages was rigorously monitored and maintained daily. All experimental procedures were carried out in accordance with the guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals issued from the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research.

2.5 Cancer cell cultures

Cancer cell lines obtained from Husain Ebrahim Jamal Research Institute of Chemistry, (HEJ) Karachi. Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium and fetal bovine serum (FBS) was purchased from Bio Whittaker and Gibco BRL Life Technologies, USA.

2.6 Quantification of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins contents of juice extracts

Total phenolic contents were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) colorimetric method [14] using gallic acid as standard. Absorbance was recorded at 765 nm and values were recorded in triplicate using ethanol as a blank. Total flavonoid contents were determined using AlCl₃ assay [15]. Samples absorbance was read at 510 nm using spectrophotometer (UV-Vis 3000, ORI, Germany). Quercetin standard curve was plotted and samples results were expressed as mg quercetin equivalents per gram (mg QE/g) of the dried weight. Total anthocyanins contents were calculated by pH differential method [16] with little modifications. Total tannin contents were determined using tannic acid as standard [17]. Absorbance of test samples was measured at 725 nm and a standard curve was plotted to calculate concentration of tannins and the results were expressed as mg tannic acid equivalent/g of the dried extracts

2.7 Determination of antioxidant activity

2.7.1 DPPH free radical scavenging assay

The DPPH free radical scavenging activity of G.asiatica fruit was carried out as previously described [18]. Briefly, 1 mL of the test sample was added to 3 mL of DPPH solution (0.004%). Sample reagent mixtures were incubated in a dark chamber at 25°C for a period of 30 min and absorbance was spectrophotometrically recorded at 517 nm (UV-Vis 3000, ORI, Germany). Ascorbic acid was used as positive control. DPPH radical scavenging activity of the juice extracts was calculated using following equation and the results were expressed as IC50. $% inhibition = (Control OD - Sample OD / Control OD) \times 100$

2.7.2 Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)

Ferric reducing antioxidant power of G. asiatica was determined as previously described [19] using ferrous sulphate as standard. The test sample (100 μL) was added to FRAP working solution and the reaction mixture incubated for 10 min at 37°C. The absorbance was read at 593 nm (UV-Vis 3000, ORI, Germany) and results reported as mmol/g.

2.7.3 Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging activity

H₂O₂ scavenging activity of G.asiatica fruit was determined by the method of Ruch et al. [20]. Sample extracts were added to 0.6 mL H₂O₂ solution (40 mM) and incubated for 10 minutes. Samples absorbance was read (230 nm) spectrophotometrically (UV-Vis 3000, ORI, Germany) against a phosphate buffer blank. Hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities of G. asiatica extracts were calculated as follow. $H_{2} O_{2} scavenging activity (%) = A_{0} - As / A_{o} \times 100$

Where A_o was the absorbance of the control and A_s was the sample absorbance.

2.8 Anti-inflammatory activity

2.8.1 Carrageenan, formaldehyde and PGE2-induced paw edema assessment

Carrageenan-induced anti-inflammatory activity of G. asiatica fruits was determined as described by Morris [21]. Wister rats with normal paw were divided into 8 groups, namely normal control (received water), indomethacin (100 mg/kg) and dichloromethane, methanol, 50% methanol extracts-treated groups. Each extract wasadministered to the Wistar rats at the levels of 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w., respectively. Thirty minutes post-treatment, 0.1 mL carrageenan, prepared in 0.9% normal saline, was intraperitoneally adminstrated in the right hind paw of each animal. One hundred microlitre of formalin solution (4%) was injected into the right hind paw of each rat in formaldehyde induced edema assessment [22]. PGE₂ induced anti-inflammatory response of G. asiatica extracts was determined by PGE₂ solution (0.001 mg/mL as phlogistic agent) administration to the right hind paw of rats [23]. Linear paw circumference was noted by using plethysmometer at 0, 1, 2 and 3 hours of carrageenan administration. However linear paw circumference measurement was performed at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours post formalin administration and at 0, 30, 60, 120 mins of post PEG₂ administration in formaldehyde and PGE_2– induced edema assessment, respectively. The increase in paw circumference was used as measurement of inflammation.

2.8.2 Formalin and glutamate-induced pain behavior

Anti-nociceptive response of G. asiatica fruits extracts was determined by formalin induced paw licking response among Wistar rats [24]. Two hundred and fifty microlitre formalin (2.5%) was injected into the right hind paw of each mice treated with normal saline (control), Indomethacin (positive control), dichloromethane extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.), methanol extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.), 50% methanol extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg b.w.). Twenty microlitre glutamate (10 μmol/paw) solution was injected into plantar aponeurosis surface of the right hind paw of each mice in glutamate-induced nociceptive response assessment [25]. Licking responses of treated animals was observed at early neurogenic pain phase for 0–5 minutes while anti-inflammatory pain stage was determined at 20–25 post formalin administration period.

Body surface area (BSA) normalization method was used to translate tested doses of extracts from animal to human [26]. Values for conversion of animal doses to human equivalent doses based on BSA were derived from Food and Drug Administration draft guidelines data [27].

2.9 Anticancer activity

2.9.1 Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay

Cytotoxic response of G. asiatica extracts was performed as suggested by Roy et al. [28]. Test samples was prepared in 1% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) and diluted to final concentration between 0.5–200 μg/mL in microtiter plate wells. Incubation of microtiter plate was performed at 37°C for 48 hrs and 50 μL of the MTT solution (5 mg/mL) was added to each well. Second incubation was performed for under dark at 37°C for 4 hrs. Absorbance was measured at 570 nm in a microplate reader (Tecan Austria GmbH) to elucidate reduction in MTT. The effect of the test compound on cell viability was calculated using untreated cells as control. Inhibition activity of the novel compounds (%) against the tested cell cultures was calculated using formula given here under:- $Survival = (A_{t} - A_{b}) / (A_{c} - A_{b}) \times 100$

Where At, A_b and Ac represents absorbance of test, blank and control $Cell inhibition (%) = 100 - cell survival (%)$

2.10 LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis

The successive fractions, exhibiting significantly higher antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities were further explored for bioactive compounds identification using LC MS/MS (Thermo Electron Corporation, USA) [29]. The direct injection mode with Electron Spray Ionization was adopted for detection purpose, at positive mode. The capillary temperature, sample flow rate, and mass range were maintained at 280°C, 8 μL/min and 50 to 1000 m/z, respectively. The collision induced energy during MS/MS mainly depending upon nature of parent molecular ion was kept in between 10 to 45. Every compound was optimized for MS parameters in order to obtain better ionization, ion transfer and to ensure optimum signal of parent and daughter fragments by analytes infusion and manually operating the parameters. The source parameters were identical for all of the analytes. Analysis of ESI-MS/MS acquired data was performed using manual, Xcalibur (Xcalibur 3.0). Structural elucidation was done using ChemDraw (ChemDraw Ultra 8.0) and then compared with previously published data.

2.11 Statistical analysis

Data derived from this study are expressed as mean±Standard Error of Means (SEM) for three measurements. Statistical differences between the control and treatments were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA), Dunnett’s test using graph pad prism and p < 0.05 was considered significant (^*p < 0.05, ^**p < 0.01, ***p < 0.001).

3 Results and discussions

3.1 Phytochemical constituents of G. asiatica extracts

Maximum total phenolic contents were recorded in dichloromethane extracts of G. asiatica i.e., 243.33 mgGAE /g followed by methanol and 50% hydromethanolic extracts i.e., 189.9 and 177.2 mgGAE/g, respectively (Table 1). Identical concentration of phenolic contents was reported in an earlier study by Asghar et al. [30] wherein aqueous and 60% methanolic extracts of G. asiatica pulp exhibited 205 mg GAE/g and 126 mg GAE/g total phenolics contents, respectively. Variable concentrations of total flavonoids, ranging between 1.61–7.92 mg QE/g, was found in different extracts of G. asiatica. Hydro-alcoholic extracts were observed with highest flavonoids contents followed by methanolic (4.81 mgQE/g). Contrary to their high phenolics content, comparatively low levels of tannins among different extracts were observed in dichloromethane extracts i.e., 1.61 mgQE/g (Table 1). A similar trend was recorded for anthocyanin concentrations among different extracts wherein 50% hydro-methanolic extracts were found to carry 8.1 mg/kg anthocyanin content whereas dichloromethane extracts recovered 0.98 mg/kg total anthocyanins from G. asiatica fruit. Flavonoids constitute around 60% of the polyphenols and their high degree of hydroxylation promotes rapid degradation [31]. Extraction and stability of biomolecules like flavonoids from berries increase with organic solvent-water mixtures and at lower extraction temperature, pH [32]. Hydro-methanolic extracts (50%) offered high affinity to flavonoids including anthocyanins thus yielding better recovery of bioactive compounds than reported earlier. Higher affinity of total tannins contents was also observed for solvent polarity and maximum levels of tannins were observed in 50% hydro-methanolic extracts (187.22 mgGAE/g) while the least concentration was recorded in dichloromethane extracts (42.33 mgGAE/g) (Table 1). G. asiatica has been cited as a good source of phenolic acids, flavonoids and a small amount of tannins. However, more promising results have been delivered from the present study compared with earlier studies where G. asiatica methanolic extracts were found to deliver 144 mg GAE/g total phenolics, 4.61 mg QE/g total flavonoids and 4.9 mg/kg anthocyanins [33, 34].

Table 1
Phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and free radical scavenging activities of DCM, MeOH and 50% MeOH extracts of G. asiatica

Parameter DCM extracts MeOH extracts 50% MeOH extracts

Total phenolic contents (mg GAE/g) 177±0.2 190±0.4 243±0.2

Total flavonoid contents (mg QE/g) 1.61±0.05 4.81±0.4 7.9±0.7

Total anthocyanins contents (mg/kg) 0.98±0.04 4.12±0.1 8.1±0.9

Tannin contents (mg GAE/g) 42±0.6 64±0.3 187±0.9

FRAP (mmol/g) 43±0.6 27±0.7 14±0.2

DPPH (IC50 μg/mL) 153±2.3 77±1.1 41±1.0

H₂O₂ (%) 33±1.44 43±0.4 73±0.6

Parameter	DCM extracts	MeOH extracts	50% MeOH extracts
Total phenolic contents (mg GAE/g)	177±0.2	190±0.4	243±0.2
Total flavonoid contents (mg QE/g)	1.61±0.05	4.81±0.4	7.9±0.7
Total anthocyanins contents (mg/kg)	0.98±0.04	4.12±0.1	8.1±0.9
Tannin contents (mg GAE/g)	42±0.6	64±0.3	187±0.9
FRAP (mmol/g)	43±0.6	27±0.7	14±0.2
DPPH (IC50 μg/mL)	153±2.3	77±1.1	41±1.0
H₂O₂ (%)	33±1.44	43±0.4	73±0.6

Values are Means±S. D. DCM extracts = 100% dichloromethane extracts. MeOH = 100% methanol extracts. 50% MeOH = Methanol:water (50 : 50v/v).

3.2 Antioxidant activity of G. asiatica extracts

Berries are potential source of bioactive compounds including phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins, hydrolysable tannins and B vitamins that strongly influence free radical scavenging activities [35]. Phytochemical screening of G. asiatica fruit confirmed the presence of phytoconstitutents including tannins and flavanoids that significantly (p < 0.005) attributed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer responses to alcoholic and hydro-alcoholic extracts. Free radical scavenging assay (DPPH), Scavenging of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) are considered as reliable techniques to evaluate total antioxidant activity [36]. Antioxidant activity assessment of G. asiatica fruit extracts revealed hydro-methanolic extracts to be more promising in delivering free radical scavenging activity (Table 1). Minimum IC50 value was recorded for hydro-methanolic extracts in DPPH assay while 73% radical scavenging activity was observed in H₂O₂ assay. Dichloromethane extracts exhibited maximum ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) i.e., 43 mmol/g contrary to methanol and hydro-methanolic extracts where FRAP value was observed as 27 mmol/g and 14.2 mmol/g, respectively. Earlier, 50% methanolic extracts of G. asiatica leaves were reported with relatively higher IC50 value i.e., 56.4 μg/mL [37]. Increased antioxidant activities of G. asiatica hydro-methanolic extracts seen in this study are in agreement to the previous findings wherein combinations of solvents were reported to increase recovery of a range of phenolic compound that attribute synergistic effect in scavenging free radicals or inhibiting their production [38].

3.3 Anti-oedematous activity of G. asiatica extracts

Methanolic and 50% hydro-methanolic fractions dispensed at the rate of 400 mg/kg b.w., generated significant inhibition of formaldehyde-induced paw edema with maximum inhibitory effect of G. asiatica fruit extracts recorded for hydro-methanolic extracts i.e., (73.6%, p < 0.0001) and methanolic extracts (71.5%, p < 0.0001). Comparatively higher paw edema inhibitory effect was noticed in rats administrated with indomethacin i.e., (87.9%, p < 0.0001) (Fig. 1). Ameliorative effect of hydro-methanolic extracts administration (400 mg/kg b.w.,) was also observed in carrageenan induced paw edema wherein fruit extracts presented comparable inhibitory response to indomethacin i.e., 68% (p < 0.0001) and 71% (p < 0.0001), respectively within 3 hrs of extract/drug administration (Fig. 1). Hydro-methanolic extracts (50%) also offered 68.7% (p < 0.0001) inhibition in PEG₂ induced paw edema in comparison with control in 120 min of extracts administration while indomethacin presented relatively higher rate of inhibition to PGE2 induced paw edema i.e., 79% (p < 0.0001) (Fig. 1). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of G. asiatica root bark extracts were rightly attributed to their phytochemicals including phenolics and flavonoids by [39]. The study further argued methanolic extracts of G. asiatica root bark to induce 59% inhibition in paw edema at equal concentration as has been reported in this study. However, as shown in Fig. (1), G. asiatica hydro-methanolic fruit extracts were found more effective in reducing inflammation.

Fig.1

Dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of G.asiatica Linn in different models of inflammation and noceiption. Label:A. Formaldehyde induced rat’s hind paw edema B. Carrageenan induced rat’s hind paw edema, C. PEG₂ induced rat’s hind paw edema.

3.4 Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of G. asiatica extracts

G. asiatica fruit extracts derived from dichloromethane, methanolic and hydro-methanolic extracts were exposed to formalin-induced paw licking in mice. Administration of methanolic and 50% hydro-methanolic extracts (400 mg/kg) exhibited significant inhibition of pain in both neurogenic phase (p < 0.0001) and anti-inflammatory phase (p < 0.0001) in comparison with the control (Fig. 2). Methanolic and 50% hydro-methanolic extracts of G. asiatica protected study animals from painful stimulation of formalin in dose dependent manner with a maximum effect being 62.9% and 62.6% for methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts, respectively at 400 mg/kg b.w.(Fig. 2). Similar responses of G. asiatica fruit methanolic and hydro-methanolic extracts were noticed in glutamate-induced nociceptive response in a mice model and significant (p < 0.0001) anti-nociceptive effect of G. asiatica was observed in comparison with control and standard drug (Fig. 2). Methanolic extracts of G. asiatica have been reported to show antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activity in dose dependent manner (125–500 mg/kg b.w.) citing 51–62% inhibition of writhing and 28 –36% inhibition of paw edema post 3 hrs acetic acid and carrageenan administration, respectively [40]. Carrageenan-induced paw edema model is considerd as a standard method to explore anti-inflammatory activity of test samples because it is characterized by the release of prostaglandins (PGs), bradykinins, serotonin, histamine and substance P [21, 41]. Significant response of G. asiatica fruit extracts administration to rats in reducing paw edema can be attributed to a marked decline in production of inflammatory markers thus validating G. asiatica fruit extracts’s ability to modulate stress-induced inflammatory responses. The G. asiatica hydro-methanolic extracts significantly suppressed vasodilation, vascular permeability and other inflammatory phases by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators and possibly COX-2 enzyme expression in the paw tissues. Human equivalent doses (HED) calculated on the basis of phenolic contents of G. asiatica extracts are presented in Table 4. The results suggest anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive responses of G. asiatica fruit extracts in human subjects may be achieved by delivering berries phenolics in range 6.2 – 15.8 mg/kg b.w., and 3.1–7.9 mg/kg b.w., respectively. Considering varying the phenolics extraction efficiency of solvents deployed in this study as mentioned in section 2.1 and Table 1, 3–6 servings of seedless fraction of G. asiatica fruit (serving size 100–150 g) may deliver 433–945 mg total phenolics to satisfy HED for anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive responses in a 60 kg individual. Absorption rates of G. asiatica phenolics are not completely known. Theoretically, the referred amount of fruit can anticipate suggested results by considering the highest rate of polyphenols intestinal absorption. Else otherwise, the desired concentration of phenolics could effectively be delivered by oral supplementation at the rate of 2–4 g/day.

Fig.2

Dose dependent anti-nociceptive response of G. asiatica fruit extracts. Label:A. Formalin induce mice’s hind paw licking B. Glutamate induce mice’s hind paw licking.

Table 2

Profiling of bioactive components identified by LC-MS/MS analysis among 50% hydro-methanolic fraction of G.asiatica fruit

Rt (min)	Molecular weight	ESI-MSⁿ (Ions)	Chemical formula	Identification	References
2.64	273	255, 241, 225, 213, 205. 195, 183	C₁₅H₁₀0₅	Genisteun-d₄	[60]
6.42	431	430.2, 371, 341, 311, 283.33, 268.92	C₂₁H₂₀O₁₀	Vitexin	[59]
9.81	169	169, 127, 125	C₇H₆0₈	Gallic acid	[61]
10.16	291	273.17, 165.08, 141.25	C₁₅H₁₄0₆	Epicatechin	[55]
11.02	256	255, 241, 237.17, 223, 211, 185, 183, 159	C₁₅H₁₂O₄	Liquiritigenin	[62]
11.73	301	301.08, 272, 179, 151, 121, 106	C₁₅H₁₀0₇	Quercetin	[54]
11.85	317	317.25, 299, 272.08179, 151, 101	C₁₅H₁₀0₈	Myricetin	[54]
11.97	339	339, 311, 294.92, 268.92, 182.92, 169	C₁₉H₁₄O₇	6-aldehydo-isoophiopogonone	[62]

Table 3

Profiling of bioactive components identified by LC-MS/MS analysis among 50% hydro-methanolic fraction of G.asiatica fruit

Rt (min)	Major MS/MS m/z (intensity)	ESI-MSⁿ (Ions)	Chemical formula	Identification	References
2.22	179	179.17, 161.17, 134. 92	C₉H₈0₄	Caffeic acid	[61]
3.74	234.51	235.08, 203.08	C₁₃H₁₄0₄	Vidalenolone	[58]
15.51	169	169, 127, 125.08	C₇H₆0₈	Gallic acid	[61]
16	191	191, 173, 129	C₇H₁₂0₆	Quinic acid	[55]
17.27	283	265, 255, 241, 239, 223, 211, 183	C₁₆H₁₂O₅	Calycosin	[56]
17.68	301	301.08, 285.92, 283, 257, 229, 179	C₁₄H₆0₈	Ellagic acid	[57]
18.63	354.31	353.25, 191, 173 Or 354.33, 191, 177, 174	C₁₆H₁₈0₉	Cholorogenic acid	[61]
19.63	423	422.6, 404.8, 387, 369, 301	C₁₉H₁₈0₁₁	Mangiferin	[48]

Table 4

Human equal doses of Grewia asiatica extracts on the basis of phenolic contents

Assay and species	Type of extract	Animal dose (mg/kg)	Weight (kg) Animal/Human	BSA (m²) Animal/Human	K_m factor Animal/Human	HED mg/Kg
Carrageenan, formaldehyde and PEG2 induced edema in rat’s hind paw	Methanol (100%)	38	0.15/60	0.025/1.6	6/37	6.16
		76				12.32
	Methanol (50%)	48.6				7.88
		97.2				15.76
Formalin and glutamate-induced licking of the paw in mice	Methanol (100%)	38	0.02/60	0.007/1.6	3/37	3.08
		76				6.16
	Methanol (50%)	48.6				3.94
		97.2				7.88

BSA = Body surface area; Human equivalent dose (HED) = Animal dose (mg/Kg)×Animal K_m/Human K_m.

3.5 Anticancer activity of G. asiatica fruit extracts

Cytoprotective effects of polyphenols in normal cells and their simultaneous cytotoxic response toward cancerous cells make plant polyphenols as safer anticarcinogenic biomolecules [42]. Nexus to significant anti-inflammatory activities of G. asiatica fruit extracts that are linked with inhibition in the production of potential carcinogens such as hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide, methanolic and 50% methanolic fractions were tested for anticarcinogenic activity. The extracts were not merely recorded to anticipate reduction in oxidative stress induced by DPPH, FRAP and H₂O₂ but also yielded significant inhibition in cancer progression among different cancer cell lines. The effect of G. asiatica extracts against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), epidermal kidney cancer cells (HEK-293), cervical cancer cells (HeLa), laryngeal cancer cells (HEp–2) and lung cancer cells (NCI-H522) is presented in Fig. (3). In line with their biological responses, dichloromethane and methanol extracts of G. asiatica were observed to be less effective against various cancer lines as compared to hydro-methanolic extracts that exhibited anti-cancer activity at concentration between 0.1 – 300 μg/mL. Concentrations of G. asiatica hydro-methanolic extracts responsible for inhibiting 50% cancer cells of breast cancer, lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, epidermal kidney cancer, and cervical cancer were 34.87 μg/mL, 73.01 μg/mL, 80.41 μg/mL, 98.35 μg/mL and 239.9 μg/mL, respectively. Cancer cells inhibitory concentration of standard drug(methotrexate) when tested at concentration in range between 0.01–100 μM/mL were observed as 18.5 μM/mL for NCI H522, 50.68 μM/mL for HEP-2, 18.52 μM/mL for HELA, 19.16 μM/mL for MCF-7 and 34.87 μM/mL for HEK 293 cells (Fig. 3). The results of present study found in agreement with an earlier study by Marya et al. [43] where IC50 calculated in MTT assay against HEp-2, NCl-H 522, HEK 293, HeLa, MCF 7 and NCl-H 522 were reported as 50.31, 53.88, >100, 58.65 and 59.03 (μg/mL), respectively. In another study [44] leaves of G. asiatica were explored for their possible anticancer activity, extracts were proven effective against all cancer cell lines at IC-50 of 53.70 μg/mL, 54.90 μg/mL, 199.5 μg/mL and 177.8 μg/mL against HL – 60, K-562, MCF-7 and HeLa cells, respectively.

Fig.3

Dose response curve for cytotoxicity activity of G.asiatica extracts against cancer cell lines

3.6 Identification of compounds by LC-MS/MS

The successive fractions exhibited potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities were further subjected to LC MS/MS analysis for the identification of bioactive compounds by comparing their masses with the available literature. The 50% methanolic fraction contained calycosin, ellagic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, quinic acid, cholorogenic acid, vidalenolone and mangiferin (Table 3). Previously, there has been no data available on Calycosin, Vidalenolone and mangiferin levels from G. asiatica (Fig. 4). Calycosin holds potential to cure oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer as has been reported in an earlier study on Chinese herbal plant Radix astragalus by Gao et al. [45]. Reported compound has also been documented to anticipate reduction in migration and invasion capacity of human breast cancer cells [46]. Similarly, Vidalenolone, a novel phenolic metabolite reported in this study was previously isolated as a natural antioxidant from the tropical red alga Vidalia sp. Moreover, Mangiferin–a potential pharmacological compound has been extensively reported in mango fruit [48] however, methanolic and hydro-methanolic extracts of G. asiatica were also identified as carrier of Mangiferin.

Fig.4

Mass spectrum of bioactive compounds in G. asiatica 50% hydro-methanolic extracts analyzed by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). Label:A: Calycosin B: Gallic acid C: Vidalenolone.

Likewise, 6-aldehydo-isoophiopogonone, Liquiritigenin, Quercetin, Myricetin, Genisteun-d₄, Epicatechin, gallic acid, ellagic acid and Vitexin were identified in methanolic and hydro-methanolic fractions of G. asiatica (Table 2). The compounds for the first time reported in G. asiatica are 6-aldehydo-isoophiopogonone, Liquiritigenin, Genisteun-d₄ and Vitexin (Fig. 5). Liquiritigenin and 6-aldehydo-isoophiopogonone had been extracted earlier from Glycyrrhiza radixand Ophiopogon japonicas plants. Studies on these fractions reported Liquiritigenin and 6-aldehydo-isoophiopogononeto hold potent antioxidant, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties [49, 50]. Likewise, Genistien-d₄- an isoflavone and Vitexin – an epigenin flavone isolated from G. asiatica extracts had been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties against colon and breast cancer cells [51, 52].Biological properties of G. asiatica fruit extracts reported in this study correlate with isolated bioactive compounds that had already been reported as potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous agents.

Fig.5

4 Conclusion

Findings of this study confirmed that successive fractions of G. asiatica fruit (DCM, methanol and 50% hydro-methanol) as good source of bioactive compounds like other berries with high medicinal and functional food properties. The study validates therapeutic properties of G. asiatica fruit extracts in inflammation, pain, and cancer mediation thus suggesting their use in drug discovery and development of functional ingredients for therapeutic foods development. This study further defined hydro-methanolic extraction of G. asiatica as better carrier of gallic acid, Vitexin, Liquiritigenin, Genisteun-d₄ and 6-aldehydo-isoophiopogonone, thefirst time identified in G. asiatica, while pure methanolic extraction was found as a promising technique to isolate ellagic acid, caffeic acid, quinic acid, vidalenolone, calycosin and mangeferin from G. asiatica fruit. The study suggests that G. asiatica extracts should be further explored in evaluating biological activities of fruit bioactive isolates in order to better understand their metabolic responses in clinical cell models.

Funding

The authors report no funding.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest to this study.

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

Authors are thankful to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for supporting Research of Mr. Muhammad Qamar, Indigenous Ph.D Scholarship holder at Institute of Food Science & Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. Authors would like to thank Prof. Dr. Ronald G. Labbe, Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst for language editing and providing technical assistance in creating manuscript revision.

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Anticancer and anti-inflammatory perspectives of Pakistan’s indigenous berry Grewia asiatica Linn ( Phalsa )

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

OBJECTIVE:

METHODS:

RESULTS:

CONCLUSIONS:

Keywords

1 Introduction

2 Material and methods

2.1 Plant material

2.2 Phytochemical screening

2.3 Solvents and reagents

2.4 Experimental animal study

2.5 Cancer cell cultures

2.6 Quantification of total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins and tannins contents of juice extracts

2.7 Determination of antioxidant activity

2.7.1 DPPH free radical scavenging assay

2.7.2 Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)

2.7.3 Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) scavenging activity

2.8 Anti-inflammatory activity

2.8.1 Carrageenan, formaldehyde and PGE2-induced paw edema assessment

2.8.2 Formalin and glutamate-induced pain behavior

2.9 Anticancer activity

2.9.1 Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay

2.10 LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis

2.11 Statistical analysis

3 Results and discussions

3.1 Phytochemical constituents of G. asiatica extracts

3.3 Anti-oedematous activity of G. asiatica extracts

Funding

Conflict of interest

Footnotes

Acknowledgments

References

2.7.3 Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) scavenging activity