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

BackgroundRemirea 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.PurposeThe 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.MethodsThe 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.ResultsAmong 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 µg/ml for OVCAR-8, NCI-H385M and PC-3 M cells lines, respectively. Regarding chemical composition, a mixture of isovitexin-2′′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, vitexin-2′′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin-7-O-glucuronide and 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-β-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.Conclusions40HA exhibited in vitro and in vivo anticancer properties without substantial toxicity that could be associated with its immunostimulating properties.