In vivo antitumor effect, induction of apoptosis and safety of Remirea maritima Aubl. (Cyperaceae) extracts

Background: Remirea maritima has been widely used in the treatment of diarrhea, kidney disease, and high fever and for therapeutic purposes, such as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. However, few scientific research studies on its medicinal properties have been reported. Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of aqueous extract (AE), 40% hydroalcoholic extracts (40HA) and 70% (70HA) from R. maritima in experimental models and to identify its phytochemical compounds. Methods: The chemical composition of AE, 40HA and 70HA was assessed by HPLC-DAD and ESI-IT-MS/MS. In vitro activity was determined on cultured tumor cell, NCI-H385N (Broncho-alveolar carcinoma), OVCAR-8 (Ovarian carcinoma) and PC-3 M (prostate carcinoma) by the MTT assay, and the in vivo antitumor activity was assessed in Sarcoma 180-bearing mice. Toxicological parameters were also evaluated as well as the humoral immune response. Results: Among the aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of R. maritima, only 40HA showed in vitro biological effect potential, presenting IC50 values of 27.08, 46.62 and > 50 mu g/ml for OVCAR-8, NCI-H385M and PC-3 M cells lines, respectively. Regarding chemical composition, a mixture of isovitexin-2 ''-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, vitexin-2 ''-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-glucuronide and 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucose were identified as the major phytochemical compounds of the extracts. In the in vivo study, the tumor inhibition rates were 57.16-62.57% at doses of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg, respectively, and the tumor morphology presented increasing numbers of apoptotic cells. Additionally, 40HA also demonstrated significantly increased of OVA-specific total Ig. Conclusions: 40HA exhibited in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties without substantial toxicity that could be associated with its immunostimulating properties. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.