Induction of apoptosis in HepG2 by Vitex agnus-castus L. leaves extracts and identification of their active chemical constituents by LC-ESI-MS

Theodor Bilharz Research Institute

Bibliographic Information

Authors: Abdel-Lateef E.E.-S.; Hammam O.A.; Mahmoud F.S.; Atta S.A.; El-Sayed M.M.; Hassenein H.I.

Journal: Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease

Publisher: Elsevier B.V.

Publication Date: July 2016

Volume / Issue: Volume 6 / Issue 7

Pages: 539–548

ISSN: 22221808

DOI: 10.1016/S2222-1808(16)61084-8

Scopus: View on Scopus

Document Type: Article

Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access

Authors and Affiliations

Abdel-Lateef E.E.-S., Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar 12411, Imbaba (P.O. Box 30), Giza, Egypt; Hammam O.A., Laboratory of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar 12411, Imbaba (P.O. Box 30), Giza, Egypt; Mahmoud F.S., Laboratory of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar 12411, Imbaba (P.O. Box 30), Giza, Egypt; Atta S.A., Laboratory of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar 12411, Imbaba (P.O. Box 30), Giza, Egypt; El-Sayed M.M., Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar 12411, Imbaba (P.O. Box 30), Giza, Egypt; Hassenein H.I., Laboratory of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El-Nile, Warrak El-Hadar 12411, Imbaba (P.O. Box 30), Giza, Egypt

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the cytotoxic activity and cytopathological changes of Vitex agnus-castus L. (V. agnus-castus) leaves extracts and characterize their bioactive chemical constituents. Methods The dried leaves powder of V. agnus-castus was extracted using 85% methanol (MeOH). The methanolic extract was defatted using petroleum ether and fractionated using ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanol (BuOH). The anticancer potential of different extracts was evaluated by neutral red assay, cytopathological changes of apoptosis and caspase-3 expression in hepatoma cell line (HepG2). The chemical constituents of most active extracts were identified using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry analysis. Results The butanolic fraction was the most active in inhibiting the proliferation of HepG2 cells [IC50 = (13.42 ± 0.17) mg/mL] compared with MeOH extract [IC50 = (17.61 ± 0.15) mg/mL) and EtOAc fraction [IC50 = (22.51 ± 0.26) mg/mL]. The cytopathological examinations demonstrated the morphology of apoptosis and caspase-3 expression was more evident in HepG2 cells treated with BuOH than cells treated with MeOH and EtOAc. The liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry analysis exhibited that the defatted MeOH extract and BuOH fraction had different bioactive secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and iridoids. Conclusions The butanolic fraction has higher contents of secondary metabolites than the defatted methanolic extract. The cytotoxic activities, apoptotic changes, and caspase-3 activation may be due to the presence of these bioactive secondary metabolites (iridoids, flavonoid, and phenolic acids) in these extracts. These results would suggest V. agnus-castus to be used as an adjuvant in cancer therapy. © 2016 Asian Pacific Tropical Medicine Press

Keywords

Apoptosis; Caspase-3; Flavonoids; HepG2 cell line; Iridoids; LC-ESI-MS; Phenolic acids; Vitex agnus-castus L.; 1,3 di o caffeoylquinic acid; 1,3 di o caffeoylquinic acid o hexoside; 4 hydroxybenzoic acid; 4 hydroxybenzoic acid o hexosylrhamnoside; 4,5 di o caffeoylquinic acid I; acetic acid ethyl ester; agnuside; butanol; caffeic acid hexoside; caspase 3; ferulic acid; flavonoid; iridoid; kaempferol; luteolin o hexoside; methanol; negundoside I; negundoside II; negundoside III; neochlorogenic acid; oleic acid; orientin; phenol derivative; quinic acid; quinic acid derivative; rosmarinic acid di o hexoside; taxifolin di o hexoside; unclassified drug; unindexed drug; Vitex agnus castus extract; vitexin; antineoplastic activity; antiproliferative activity; Article; cancer inhibition; cell proliferation; controlled study; cytopathology; drug cytotoxicity; drug identification; electrospray mass spectrometry; enzyme activation; human; human cell; IC50; liquid chromatography; liver cell carcinoma; plant leaf; priority journal; protein expression; solvent extraction

Citation Information

Scopus Citations: 12

For comprehensive information about the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), its institutional activities, scientific and research achievements, clinical and hospital services, and the diverse expertise offered through its 22 specialized research and clinical departments, as well as opportunities for professional training, specialized workshops, and scientific conferences, readers are invited to visit the Institute’s official website.

The website provides regularly updated information on the Institute’s latest news, research activities, scientific initiatives, clinical services, institutional programs, and academic and professional opportunities.

English Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/en/

Arabic Website: https://www.tbri.sci.eg/ar/

Prepared and Uploaded by:

Abdalla F. Abdalla

Electronic Portal Unit

Electronic Portal Unit

Popular Posts

A cost-performance index for nano-optical biosensor evaluation: Systematic evaluation of europium–salicylate luminescent platforms for GPC3-targeted early HCC diagnosis

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Hassan Y.M.; El-Tantawi H.; Ali I.R.; Attia M.S. Journal: Talanta Publisher: Elsevier B.V. Publication Date: January 2027 Volume / Issue: Volume 311 Article No.: 130103 ISSN: 399140 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.130103 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42391698 Document Type: Review Authors and Affiliations Hassan Y.M., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; El-Tantawi H., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; Ali I.R., Department of Immunology and Treatment Evaluation, Theodore Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Attia M.S., Chemistry Department, College of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 11623, Saudi Arabia Abstract Comparative evaluation of nano-optical biosensor platforms lacks a standardised, multi-parameter quantitative framework that integrates analytical performance...
Read more

Interpretation of liver stiffness measurement in patients with mixed liver disease etiologies

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: El Ray A.; El Ghannam M.; Rautou P.E. Journal: Arab Journal of Gastroenterology Publisher: Elsevier Ltd Publication Date: August 2026 ISSN: 16871979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2026.05.002 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42362465 Document Type: Letter Authors and Affiliations El Ray A., Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Hepatogastroenterology Department, Giza, Egypt, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, Egypt; El Ghannam M., Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Hepatogastroenterology Department, Giza, Egypt; Rautou P.E., Université Paris-Cité, Inserm, Centre de recherche sur l’inflammation, UMR 1149, Paris, France, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d’Hépatologie, DMU DIGEST, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Clichy, France Abstract Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)–based liver stiffness measurement (LSM) is widely used for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis and p...
Read more

Holothuria arenicola Extract-Loaded Polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Attenuate Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Acute Liver Injury

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Mansour E.M.; Shemis M.; Fahmy S.R.; Amer M.A.; Mohamed A.S. Journal: Current Nanomedicine Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers Publication Date: September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 5 Pages: 771–786 ISSN: 24681873 DOI: 10.2174/0124681873401484250924125945 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Authors and Affiliations Mansour E.M., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Shemis M., Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; Fahmy S.R., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Amer M.A., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt; Mohamed A.S., Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt Abstract Introduction: Cholestatic liver diseases are characterized by jaundice and cholestasis with various conseq...
Read more

Variable clinical presentations of pulmonary hydatid cysts: a four-case series from a single center in United Arab Emirates, non-endemic region

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Yehya M.; Abdallah M.F.H.; Ajeka S.; Al-Masalmeh F.H.; Albaghdadi M.O.J. Journal: Journal of Surgical Case Reports Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 29 July 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 2026 / Issue 7 Article No.: rjag658 ISSN: 20428812 DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjag658 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Yehya M., Department of Thoracic Surgery, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Abdallah M.F.H., Department of Radiology, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Mahad Al Abhas Al bahari St, Kornish Al Nile, Warraq Al Arab, Al Warak, Governorate, Giza, 3863341, Egypt; Ajeka S., Department of General Surgery, SAQR Hospital, Al Juwais Al Kadi St, Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates; Al-Masalmeh F.H., Department of ...
Read more

Mytilus edulis-mediated green synthesis of selenium nanoparticles with antimicrobial and molluscicidal applications

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Dokmak H.-A.A.; AlSedawy M.; Ramadan M.A.; Amin B.H.; Faid A.H.; Abdelmaksoud H.F.; El-Sayed S.M. Journal: Scientific Reports Publisher: Nature Research Publication Date: 7 September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 16 / Issue 1 Article No.: 27918 ISSN: 20452322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-65860-3 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42706305 Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access Authors and Affiliations Dokmak H.-A.A., Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt; AlSedawy M., Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (For Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Ramadan M.A., Department of Laser Application in Metrology, Photochemistry and Agriculture, National Institute of Laser Enhanced Science (NILES) Cairo University (CU), Giza, Egypt; Amin B.H., The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11787,...
Read more

Corrigendum to ‘Eco-friendly approach for the removal and simultaneous detection of cyanide toxins from drinking and wastewater sources’ [Environ. Pollut. 385 (2025) 127094]

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: El-Sewify I.M.; Shenashen M.A.; Gomaa H.; Selim M.S.; Akhtar N.; Azzam A.; Mekawy M.; Emran M.Y.; Khairy M.; Shahat A.; Hasan M.; Elmarakbi A.; El-Safty S.A. Journal: Environmental Pollution Publisher: Elsevier Ltd Publication Date: September 2026 Volume / Issue: Volume 405 Article No.: 128412 ISSN: 2697491 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.128412 Scopus: View on Scopus PubMed: 42259729 Document Type: Erratum Authors and Affiliations El-Sewify I.M., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1–2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305–0047, Japan, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbasia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt; Shenashen M.A., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1–2-1 Sengen, Ibaraki-ken, Tsukubashi, 305–0047, Japan; Gomaa H., Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, Na...
Read more

Multifunctional polycaprolactone-based composite fibers with icariin and glutathione for effective repair of critical-sized bone defects

Image
Bibliographic Information Authors: Yessuf A.M.; Zhang Y.; Sharma B.P.; Wang Y.; Kassa T.S.; Qadir A.; Jinqiu Y.; Mohideen M.M.; Salama A.M.; Wang W.; Zhang Q.; Liu Y. Journal: BMEMat Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Inc Publication Date: 30 July 2026 ISSN: 27517438 DOI: 10.1002/bmm2.70115 Scopus: View on Scopus Document Type: Article Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access Authors and Affiliations Yessuf A.M., Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China; Zhang Y., Henan Provincial Orthopedic Hospital, Henan, Zhengzhou, China; Sharma B.P., Key Laboratory of Electrochemical Process and Technology of Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China; Wang Y., Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; Kassa T.S., Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Composites, Col...
Read more