Anticancer effects of herbal medicine Emelia-M, Mshikazi and Delosma H against human leukaemia cells
Authors
Joy Adeniyi
Traditional Medicine Laboratory, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Manimbulu Nlooto
Department of Pharmacy, School of Health care Sciences, University of Limpopo
Mlungisi Ngcobo
Traditional Medicine Laboratory, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Roshila Moodley
Department of Chemistry, School of Physics and Chemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Exnevia Gomo
Traditional Medicine Laboratory, School of Nursing and Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Keywords:
Leukaemia, traditional herbal medicines, apoptosis, phytochemical compounds
Abstract
Leukaemia is one of the three major types of blood cancers that lead to the overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H are herbal medicines that are being used by traditional healers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to treat leukaemia and other diseases.
Objectives
To gain insight into the safety (non-toxic effect), anti-cancer activity, mechanisms of action and phytochemical profiles of traditional herbal medicines (Emelia M (EMB), Mshikazi and Delosma H) in South Africa.
Methods
The viability of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), monocytic (THP-1) and T-lymphocyte (Jurkat) cell lines exposed to varying concentrations of aqueous extracts of the three herbal medicines were assessed using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assay.
Results
All three extracts showed a dose-dependent effect on the viability of PBMCs. Cell viability decreased with increasing concentrations of extracts when compared with the untreated cells at 24 and 48 hours. The inhibitory activities (IC50) of the extract were found in the order of Mshikazi > EMB, > Delosma H. All the extracts induced apoptosis with minimal necrosis. Many bioactive compounds that have been previously reported to have anticancer effects were identified in the extracts.
Conclusion
Mshikazi extract significantly inhibited the growth of THP-1 and Jurkat cells and induced cell death through apoptosis than the other two extracts.
Keywords: Leukaemia, traditional herbal medicines, apoptosis, phytochemical compounds
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