Volume 69, July 2015, Pages 408–414
Lipid profile and antiproliferative activity of callus cultures of Cereus peruvianus Mill
Highlights
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- We isolated and chemically characterized lipids extracted from Cereus peruvianus callus.
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- Lipids extracts were effective in suppressing proliferation of cancer cells.
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- Feasible production system has been established for important unsaturated fatty acids.
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- The protocol established in this study will be helpful for large scale production unsaturated fatty acids.
Abstract
Cereus peruvianus
Mill. is a cactus species that belongs to the family Cactaceae,
popularly known as “Mandacaru”. It presents several pharmacological
activities in popular medicine. Its extract is used to reduce total
cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and consequently
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It also has antineoplastic
actions related to the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The in vitro tissue culture of C. peruvianus
occurs under controlled environmental conditions, is independent of
climatic or soil changes, and is free from microorganism and insect
contamination. These advantages make it a sustainable biotechnology
alternative to achieve specific metabolites, such as fatty acids. Tissue
culture lipids were extracted from maceration and separated into
neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids by column chromatography.
The analysis of these fractions by gas chromatography and 1H and 13C
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that the cell cultures
had high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids, such as ω-3, ω-6,
eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Biologic assays were
used to investigate potential antitumor activity using the
sulforhodamine B method, and we observed a 50% cytotoxic concentration
of 250 μg/ml. The results contribute to knowledge about the lipid
profile and antitumor activity of callus cultures of C. peruvianus.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Cereus peruvianus Mill.;
- Cell culture;
- Lipids;
- Antitumor
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmacy, State University of Maringa, Av. Colombo 5790, Brazil. Tel.:
+55 44 3011 5967; fax: +55 44 3011 5050.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
