Antiproliferative, Antioxidant, Chemopreventive and Antiangiogenic Potential of Chromatographic Fractions from Anemonia sulcata with and without Its Symbiont Symbiodinium in Colorectal Cancer Therapy

Anemonia sulcata may be a source of marine natural products (MNPs) due to the antioxidant and antitumor activity of its crude homogenates shown in vitro in colon cancer cells. A bioguided chromatographic fractionation assay of crude Anemonia sulcata homogenates with and without its symbiont Symbiodinium was performed to characterize their bioactive composition and further determine their biological potential for the management of colorectal cancer (CRC). The 20% fractions retained the in vitro antioxidant activity previously reported for homogenates. As such, activation of antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes was also evaluated. The 40% fractions showed the greatest antiproliferative activity in T84 cells, synergistic effects with 5-fluoruracil and oxaliplatin, overexpression of apoptosis-related proteins, cytotoxicity on tumorspheres, and antiangiogenic activity. The predominantly polar lipids and toxins tentatively identified in the 20% and 40% fractions could be related to their biological activity in colon cancer cells although further characterizations of the active fractions are necessary to isolate and purify the bioactive compounds.

Automated summary

Anemonia sulcata has potential as a source of marine natural products with antioxidant and antitumor activity. A bioguided chromatographic fractionation assay revealed that the 20% and 40% fractions had antioxidant and antiproliferative activities in colon cancer cells, respectively. Further characterization and isolation of the bioactive compounds are required.