Evaluation of the purified fraction of Wilbrandia (c.f.) verticillata for antitumour activity

Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1991:86 Suppl 2:43-5. doi: 10.1590/s0074-02761991000600012.

Abstract

Cucurbitacins are known to produce cytotoxic and anticancer activities. Two novel norcucurbitacin glucosides (Wv1 and Wv2) have recently been isolated from a purified fraction obtained from the rhizome of Wilbrandia verticillata. The present study evaluates the cytotoxic and antitumour activities of these norcucurbitacins. We have found a regular cytotoxicity in KB cells (Cy50 = 12 micrograms/ml) as well as a significant inhibition in the Walker 256 carcinosarcoma growth (approximately 75%).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / isolation & purification
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use*
  • Brazil
  • Carcinoma 256, Walker / drug therapy*
  • Cucurbitacins
  • Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor
  • Humans
  • KB Cells / drug effects
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plants, Medicinal / chemistry
  • Rats
  • Triterpenes / isolation & purification
  • Triterpenes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Triterpenes
  • Cucurbitacins