Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxic Properties of Cancerol S, A Blend of Medicinal Plants, on Cancerous Cells in Culture

Aims: To evaluate in vitro the properties of a blend of medicinal plants called Cancerol S through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic potential on cancerous cells in culture.

Methodology: High-performance thin-film chromatography (HPTLC) and the assay test were used for phytochemical screening of Cancerol S. The antioxidant power of Cancerol s was evaluated by free radical inhibition tests (DPPH and ABTS) and the Iron III Reduction Power (FRAP). The inhibition tests of 15-LOX (15-lipoxygenase) and COX1/COX2 (cyclooxygenases) were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory capacity of Cancerol S.

Results: The total polyphenols and flavonoids content of the extract were respectively 115.6 ± 0.1 mg EAG/g and 43.4 ± 0.1 mg EQ/g dry extract. The extract showed excellent antioxidant activity, with inhibition of DPPH (EC50 = 8.3 ± 0.7 μg/mL) and ABTS (EC50 = 36.0 ± 1.1 μg/mL), and also reduced ferric ion Fe3+ (2.67 ± 0.1 mmol EAA/g extract). In addition, the extract moderately inhibited 15-LOX, COX-1 and COX-2. The HeLa cell line of cervical cancer was more sensitive to Cancerol S (EC50 = 84.6 ± 5.2 μg/mL) than the prostate cancer cell line DU 145 (EC50 = 140.7 ± 7.8 μg/mL).

Conclusion: These properties give a rational basis for the use of Cancerol S in traditional medicine in Burkina Faso.