Anti-angiogenic activity of Gynura segetum leaf extracts and its fractions.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gynura segetum is a popular medicinal plant in Indonesia and Malaysia, known to possess various medicinal properties especially for treatment of cancer, diabetes and hypertension.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect of Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were also determined.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-angiogenic activity of Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions was evaluated in vivo using the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out to identify the chemical compositions of the active extracts.

RESULTS

The CAM treated with Gynura segetum leaves extracts and its fractions (100μg/disc) showed a significantly greater anti-angiogenic effect compared to the positive control suramin (50μg/disc). Chemical analysis of the active extracts from the leaves of Gynura segetum yielded nine known compounds: undecane (1), neophytadine (2), hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (3), 9,12-octadecadienoic acid, methyl ester (4), 9,12,15-octadecatrienoic acid, methyl ester (5), phytol (6), tetradecanal (7), octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (8) and γ-sitosterol (9).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that Gynura segetum has anti-angiogenic activity. The plant may be used as a potential source for protection against cancer.