Anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties of an active fraction isolated from Curcuma zedoaria rhizomes

Abstract

Background: Curcuma zedoaria is a plant with rich source of phytochemicals extensively used in ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat tumors and other ailments. Henceforth, this study was undertaken to scientifically validate the different solvent fractions and isolate active fraction from the plant for the study pertaining to different biological activities including cancer. Objectives: The objectives of the study include the investigation of antimicrobial, antioxidant, apoptosis inducing properties and chemo protective effects of an active fraction isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria. Methods: Anti-oxidant properties, antibacterial assay, Induction of apoptosis by Annexin V staining, active Caspase-3 detection and cell cycle analysis were studied in vitro in lymphoma and lung cancer cells. The chemo protective effects of the compound alone and when co-administered along with Cyclophosphamide was investigated in mice models. Results: The active fraction identified and isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria was found to possess antimicrobial activity specifically against B. subtilis and K. pneumoniae. Induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest was observed on cancer cells. Effective synergistic chemoprotective effects with decrease in tumor volume and increase in lifespan was observed in combination treatment. Conclusions: The active fraction isolated from Curcuma zedoaria was found to possess anti-microbial activity and anti-cancer activity against lung cancer and lymphoma cells together with chemoprotective effects. The therapeutic intervention of the study is that the active fraction could be used in combination with cyclophosphamide for synergistic effects thus decreasing the dosage of the drug, and decreasing the toxic effects.

Keywords

• Curcuma zedoary
• Apoptosis
• Chemo protection