Ethyl acetate fraction of Muntingia calabura L. exerts anti-colorectal cancer potential via regulating apoptotic and inflammatory pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Muntingia calabura L. is a plant with traditional pharmacological relevance. The various plant parts are used by tribal communities for treating gastric ulcers, prostate gland swellings, headache, cold etc. Hence, an attempt was made to evaluate the anti-colorectal cancer potential of ethyl acetate fraction of M. calabura (EFMC).

Materials and methods: HR LC-MS analysis was carried out for the identification of compounds present in EFMC. 1,2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced animal models were used for the evaluation of anti-CRC potential of EFMC. Antioxidant enzyme status, oxidative stress marker status, hepatic and renal function marker level were determined. Evaluation of mRNA level expression of inflammatory and apoptotic genes, hematological and histopathological examinations were also carried out to figure out the extent of colorectal cancer (CRC) and the beneficial role offered by EFMC.

Results: HR LC-MS analysis of EFMC revealed the presence of ten pharmacologically active compounds. EFMC treatment made the altered levels of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, liver and renal function markers to retain in its normal range. The hematological and histopathological evaluations also confirmed the anti-CRC effects exhibited by EFMC. EFMC offered a regulatory control over the inflammatory and apoptotic genes thereby mitigating the damaging effects of CRC.

Conclusion: The present study depicted the presence of therapeutically active compounds exhibiting strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential. The beneficial role offered by these compounds could be responsible for the amelioration of DMH induced CRC. Hence, EFMC can be used as an anti-CRC agent in human subjects.

Keywords: 1,2 dimethylhydrazine; Anti-inflammatory; Colorectal cancer; Muntingia calabura.