Inhibitory effects of ethyl acetate and butanol fractions from Morinda lucida benth on benzene-induced leukemia in mice

Abstract

Introduction: Morinda lucida Benth has been traditionally reported as a remedy for the treatment of cancer as well as Leukemia in Africa. Therefore, this study was aimed at screening fractions of M. lucida for potential anti-leukemia constituents and activities in mice. Methods: leukemia was induced with intra-peritoneal administration of benzene. Fractions of M. lucida were administered by oral gavaging in mice and screened for anti-leukemia and anti-clastogenic activities. The liver sections were assessed for hepatoprotective activity and possible anti-leukemia compounds in fractions were analysed using GC-MS. Docking analysis was done to understand the mechanism of anti-leukemic activity. Results: Significant (p < 0.05) anti-leukemic activity was observed in the ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions while prevention of chromosomal and liver damage was exhibited by all the fractions. GC-MS analysis of the fractions revealed anti-leukemic constituents. The identified constituents showed promising pharmacokinetic properties and inhibitory potential against certain proteins involved in cancer development. Conclusion: Overall, the anti-leukemic activity observed in this study might be attributed to the antioxidant, apoptotic induction, cell cycle control, and anti-inflammatory properties of M. lucida fractions.

Keywords

• Leukaemia
• M. lucida
• Cell cycle
• Apoptosis
• Ethyl acetate and n-butanol fractions
• In-silico