Isolation and
characterization of bioactive compounds from Martynia annua and its anticancerous
activity against Huh-7 liver cancer cell lines
Palaramb R. Sonia and Thenmozhi M.
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(12); 82-91;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/2012rjbt082091; (2025)
Abstract
One of the fastest growing cancer types in the United States and the life-threatening
illness is liver cancer. As a well-established model system for studying hepatocellular
carcinoma (HCC), especially in relation to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, Huh7
liver cancer cell lines are regarded as critical in research because they enable
scientists to examine the mechanisms of liver cancer development, drug efficacy
and viral replication in a controlled laboratory setting. In essence, they serve
as a vital tool for the development of treatments against liver cancer and diseases
related to HCV. Compounds from medicinal plants are more preferred over synthetic
antibiotics because they are less toxic, possess fewer side effects and are more
easily absorbed by the body. Martynia annua is a medicinal plant found in the tropical
and subtropical regions around the world, including Asia, Australia and Africa.
In this study, a bioactive compound was isolated from Martynia annua and its anticancer
activity was evaluated against the human liver cancer cell line Huh-7 using the
MTT assay and DNA fragmentation assay. The crude extract of Martynia annua was subjected
to fractionation using different organic solvents in increasing order of polarity.
The fractions that showed proper band formation and spots were then subjected to
characterization techniques such as Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS),
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
(NMR). The compound identified was oleic acid with molecular formula C18H34O2 and
molar mass 282. The compound was tested against an the Huh-7 cell line for cytotoxic
activity and exhibited a significant decrease in cell numbers with IC50 value of
165.4μg/ml. Huh-7 cells treated with an IC50 concentration of Martynia annua extract
for 24 hours. The current investigation demonstrated a decrease in cell survival
due to the induction of DNA fragmentation.
