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Selective cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul in human lung cancer cells
Abstract
Cecropia pachystachya Trécul, also known as embauba of the family Urticaceae, is traditionally used in Brazilian medicine to manage diabetes, asthma, and cough. Previous studies have highlighted its diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, leishmanicidal, antidepressant-like, antioxidant, and antinociceptive effects. However, its antineoplastic potential remains unexplored. This study investigated the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of C. pachystachya extract (CPE) on human lung cancer cell lines (H460, A549, and H2023) and non-tumorigenic human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ cells). The extract exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity across all cancer cell lines while sparing non-cancerous BJ cells. Further analyses using acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining indicated that the observed cytotoxicity was mediated through the induction of apoptosis rather than necrosis. Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) analysis identified chlorogenic acid (48%) and orientin (2.9%) as the major constituents of CPE. These findings suggest that C. pachystachya harbors bioactive compounds with selective anticancer properties, highlighting its potential as a promising candidate for the development of novel anticancer therapeutics.
