Saraca asoca methanol bark extract had a selective anticancer effect on the estrogen-receptor subtype of triple-negative breast cancer in a cell culture study. The anticancer effects were attributed to phytoestrogens in the methanol bark extract, particularly quercetin.
Saraca asoca has been found to have anticancer effects related to the presence of phytoestrogens in the methanol bark extract. Phytoestrogens are natural agonists for estrogen receptor ß (ERß), which in turn is an antagonist to ERα. This inhibits cellular proliferation, allowing the development of tumor control strategies.
The current study investigated the role of phytoestrogens in S. asoca methanol bark extract in inhibiting cell growth in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study findings are published in the Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Quantification of Phytoconstituents in Saraca Asoca Methanol Bark Extract
The crude methanol extract of S. asoca was rich in flavonoid and polyphenolic compounds. The methanol extract was found to contain flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, phytosterols, phenols, and saponins.
Anticancer Properties and Estrogenic Impact of Saraca Asoca Methanol Bark Extract
MTT assay demonstrated the efficacy of S. asoca methanol bark extract in TNBC cell lines. Compared to control cells, treated TNBC cells demonstrated cell shrinkage and a change in cell morphology. The crude methanol bark extract had a mild estrogenic effect on TNBC cells alongside 17ß-estradiol. The cell population decreased when treated with S. asoca methanol bark extract.
Interaction of Phytoestrogens With ERα and ERß
The findings indicate the formation of p bonds between Phe 404 in the active sites of ERα and estradiol, tamoxifen, quercetin, and kaempferol. On the contrary, p bonds were formed between Phe 356 in the active sites of ERß and estradiol, tamoxifen, quercetin, and kaempferol.
Source:
Pareeth, C. M., Hussan, K. P., Anu, D., Meera, N., Mathew, D., Valsalan, R., Thayyil, M. S., Thara, K. M., Raghavamenon, A. C., & Babu, T. D. (2024). Antiproliferative effect of Saraca asoca methanol bark extract on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 10(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-024-00623-3
