Sapogenin mixture and pentahydroxy-pregn-14-ol, 20-one -β-D-thevetopyranoside isolated from Wattakaka volubilis induce caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in human colon cancer cells in vitro

Summary : Sapogenins are naturally occuring metabolites associated with several health benefits. The objective was to isolate the sapogenin mixture, pentahydroxy-pregn-14-ol, 20-one -β-D-thevetopyranoside (PPG) from Wattakaka volubilis and to assess their anti-inflammatory and apoptotic mechanism in human colon cancer cells in vitro. Sapogenins (WVSM) and pentahydroxy-pregn-14-ol, 20-one -β-D-thevetopyranoside (PPG) are isolated from Wattakaka volubilis. The WVSM and PPG were subjected to cytotoxic assay (MTT), apoptotic parameters such as caspase-3 assay and DNA fragmentation studies against HT-29 cells. Macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 were used to process anti-inflammatory studies includes COX-2 and iNOS assay, NO and PGE2 production. WVSM and PPG showed 62 and 52% cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells, caspase-3 enzyme was increased and DNA fragmentation was showed in HT-29 cells treated with WVSM and PPG. COX-2 and iNOS activity was significantly decreased with the less production of PGE2 and NO. From the present study it can be inferred that WVSM and PPG promotes cytotoxicity against HT-29 cells with the activation of apoptotic mediators. It also promotes the anti-inflammatory activity via COX-2 and iNOS inhibition. Hence the results support the traditional use of Wattakaka volubilis against various cancers. Industrial Relevance: Globally greater than 1 million people get colorectal cancer yearly resulting in about 0.5 million deaths. As of 2008 it is the second most common cause of cancer in women and the third most common in men with it being the fourth most common cause of cancer death after lung, stomach, and liver cancer. It is more common in developed than developing countries. Wattakaka volubilis prevent colorectal carcinogenesis by inhibiting the cell growth and suppressing inflammation. Hence PPG isolated from Wattakaka volubilis could be used as a potent agent to cure this ailment. Keywords : Sapogenins; pentahydroxy-pregn-14-ol; 20-one -β-D-thevetopyranoside (PPG); Caspase-3; DNA fragmentation; COX-2; INOS.