Leaf extract from Cassia alata L. ("Akapulko") induces quinone reductase and competes for estrogen receptor binding indicating cancer chemopreventive property

Issue Date

6-2005

Abstract

Hexane extract from the leaves of akapulko (Cassia alata L.) was tested for its chemopreventive properties using the quinone reductase and the estrogen binding assays. The quinone reductase assay determines the ability of an extract to induce the production of quinone reductase, a Phase ll enzyme that helps to inactivate carcinogenic compounds in vivo. The estrogen binding assay determines if a substance can compete with estrogen for binding with its target cells preventing its proliferative influence. This study demonstrated that a hexane fraction from C. alata L. leaf extract induced the activity of quinone reductase and was a competitor for estrogen receptor (ER) B. In a related assay using Ishikawa endometrial cells, the estrogenic property of the extract was confirmed but like known phytoestrogens, the estrogenic activity is much weaker than that of estradiol. In an attempt to determine if the extract also has antioxidant properties like established phytoestrogens the C. alata L. hexane fraction was also assayed for free radical scavenging activity. Results indicated that the extracts did not have free radical scavenging property.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist, The (Formerly: The Philippine Agriculturist)

ISSN

0031-7454

Volume

88

Issue

2

Page

175-178

Document Type

Article

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Frequency

quarterly

Physical Description

graphs ; references

Language

English

Subject

Cassia alata L., Ishikawa cells, chemoprevention, quinone reductase

En – AGROVOC descriptors

SENNA ALATA; QUINONES; OXIDOREDUCTASES; OESTROGENS; HORMONE RECEPTORS; NEOPLASMS; DRUG THERAPY

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