Smilax china leaf extracts suppress pro-inflammatory adhesion response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and proliferation of HeLa cells.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects of the leaves of Smilax china.

METHODS

The aqueous extract was examined for its anti-inflammatory effects on tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced inflammation in HUVECs whereas the aqueous (water), ethyl acetate (EA), butanol (B) and methylene chloride (MC) extracts were examined for their anticancer effect on HeLa cells.

RESULTS

The aqueous extract suppressed the (TNF)-α-induced expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and TNF-R1 and attenuated the expression of MCP-1, MMP-9, NF-kB and IFN-γ. The MC extract suppressed the proliferation of HeLa cells at all doses employed (50, 150, and 300 µg/ml). The EA extract demonstrated appreciable anti-proliferative effect whereas the BuOH extract demonstrated mild anti-proliferative activity. The aqueous extract did not show any significant anti-proliferative effect. None of the extracts were toxic to the normal cells (HUVECs).

CONCLUSIONS

Smilax china leaf extracts possess significant anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.