In Silico Anticancer activity and Caspase targeted study of Saponin rich fraction extracted from Caralluma fimbriata (Wall).

Abstract

Caralluma fimbriata (Wall.) (Asclepiadaceae), is mentioned as vegetable in Indian Materia Medica and an affluent resource of saponins. It is reported in conventional medicine method of India as well as Arabia that C. fimbriata was extensively used for cancer treatment. Current study was planned to assess anticancer potential of saponin rich fraction from C. fimbriata using in silico and in vitro assays. Caratubersides A-G, a pregnane glycosides found in C. fimbriata were taken for in silico examination and processed through PASS Online software for the prediction of structure dependent pharmacological actions. Docking was carried out using Autodock Tool and Autodock Vina, revealed antineoplastic action of caratubersides along with apoptogenic potential. MTT assay was performed on MCF-7 cell line. Shell less chicken embryo culture assay was done for anti-angiogenic properties at different concentrations (1.5µg/ml, 3µg/ml, and 6µg/ml). Chromosomal aberrations assay was carried out in cultured human blood. And apoptogenic potential was estimated on MCF-7 cells using cleaved caspases 3 and caspase 8 cell based ELISA assay kit. Results of study showed that IC50 of saponin rich fraction of C. fimbriata was at 3μg/mL. Considerable (p <0.05) decreases were observed in angiogenic properties. Insignificant chromosomal aberrations were found in normal cells. Treatment of saponin rich part improved levels of caspases 3 as well as caspase 8 (ODs 1.35 and 1.68 respectively). From the study, saponin rich portion obtained from C. fimbriata displayed antiproliferative, anti-angiogenic actions along with apoptogenic prospective and no significant chromosomal aberrations were found in normal human cells.