Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity effect of rice Bran Phytic Acid as an anticancer agent on ovarian, breast and liver cancer cell lines.

Introduction: Phytic acid (PA) has been shown to have positive nutritional benefits. There are also claims that it is able to prevent cancer through its antioxidant capability. This study investigated antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect of PA extracted from rice bran against selected cancer cell lines (i.e. ovarian, breast and liver cancer). Methods: Cytotoxicity activity of PA was investigated using MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)]-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt] assay while the antioxidant activity of PA extract, commercial PA and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) was determined by using five different assays: ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay, β-carotene bleaching method, DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Results: PA extracted from rice bran induced marked growth inhibition in ovary, breast and liver cancer cells with 50% growth inhibition concentration (IC50) values of 3.45, 3.78 and 1.66 mM, respectively but exhibited no sensitivity towards a normal cell line (3T3). The PA extract was also found to exert antioxidant activity when tested using the FTC, TBA, FRAP and β-carotene bleaching methods but antioxidant activity could not be attributed to scavenging free radical species as measured by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Conclusion: The PA extract from rice bran displayed safe and promising anticancer properties in selected cancer cell lines and it is believed that its antioxidant capability is the likely contributor to the observed anticancer properties

Secondary metabolites, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of Dioscorea bulbifera Leaf Collected from Endau Rompin, Johor, Malaysia

Breast cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women globally. Malaysia is a country that is rich in medicinal plant species. Hence, this research aims to explore the secondary metabolites, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of Dioscorea bulbifera leaf collected from Endau Rompin, Johor, Malaysia. Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) assays, while the cytotoxicity of D. bulbifera on MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines was tested using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry analysis. Phytochemical profiling was conducted using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results showed that methanol extract had the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, followed by ethyl acetate and hexane extracts. D. bulbifera tested against MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cell lines showed a pronounced cytotoxic effect with IC50 values of 8.96 μg/mL, 6.88 μg/mL, and 3.27 μg/mL in MCF-7 and 14.29 μg/mL, 11.86 μg/mL, and 7.23 μg/mL in MDA-MB-231, respectively. Cell cycle analysis also indicated that D. bulbifera prompted apoptosis at various stages, and a significant decrease in viable cells was detected within 24 h and substantially improved after 48 h and 72 h of treatment. Phytochemical profiling of methanol extract revealed the presence of 39 metabolites such as acetic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, acetin, hexadecanoate, 7-tetradecenal, phytol, octadecanoic acid, cholesterol, palmitic acid, and linolenate. Hence, these findings concluded that D. bulbifera extract has promising anticancer and natural antioxidant agents. However, further study is needed to isolate the bioactive compounds and validate the effectiveness of this extract in the In in vivo model

Rice bran phytic acid (IP6) induces growth inhibition, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis on human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells

Phytic acid (inositol hexaphosphate or IP6) is one of the bioactive compound that is present in cereals, nuts and legumes. IP6 is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate, recognized to posses various significant health benefits including anticancer effects. Several in vitro and in vivo studies provide convincing evidence for the anticarcinogenic properties of commercial rice IP6 whilst the underlying mechanisms by which IP6 exerts anti-tumorigenic effects are still not fully known. The purpose of this present study is to investigate the growth inhibitory effects of IP6 extracted from rice bran on human colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29). IP6 extracted from rice bran induced marked growth inhibition in HT-29 with an IC50 value of 12.0 ± 2 μg/ml, in a dose and time dependent manner. Flow cytometry was performed for the analysis of cell cycle and apoptosis. Rice bran IP6-extract induced cell cycle arrest in HT-29 cell at G0/G1 phase. Staining with Annexin V-based assay and propidium iodide confirmed that apoptosis occurred early and late in the HT-29. IP6 is expected to exert anticarcinogenic activity through disruption of cell cycle progression and induction of apoptosis. Our study further supports the function of rice bran IP6 as a chemopreventive agent for human colorectal cancer

New diprenylated dihyrochalcones from leaves of Artocarpus elasticus

Two new diprenylated dihydrochalcones, elastichalcone A 1 and elastichalcone B 2 and three known compounds were isolated from the leaves of Artocarpus elasticus. Their structures were determined by various spectroscopic techniques (UV, IR, MS, 1D-NMR and 2D-NMR). Elastichalcone B 2 and a known compound exhibited good free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 11.30 and 11.89 μg/ml, respectively. © 2013 Phytochemical Society of Europe

Biological Properties of Tinospora crispa (Akar Patawali) and Its Antiproliferative Activities on Selected Human Cancer Cell Lines

The antioxidant and anti-proliferative activity of the aqueous crude extract of Tinospora crispa stem was investigated. The proximate composition of its stem and leaves was determined. Proximate analysis revealed that T. crispa contains - protein: leaves = 4.7%, stem = 1.2%; fat: leaves = 1.5%, stem = 0.43%; carbohydrate: leaves = 11.8%, stem = 19.4%; ash: leaves = 2.7%, stem = 1.1%; moisture: leaves = 79.3%, stem = 77.9%; fibre: leaves = 1.59%, stem = 0.65%; and energy: leaves = 1.59%, stem = 0.65%. The antioxidant activity of the extract prepared at various temperatures and incubation time was evaluated to determine the optimum extraction procedure. Based on DPPH and TBA tests, the preparation of the extract at 60oC for 6 hours was established as the best possible method as it demonstrated the highest inhibition percentage. The extract was tested against brine shrimp to evaluate its toxicity and no significant toxicity was recorded since the IC50 value was more than 1000 μg/ml. The extract produced moderate anti-proliferative activity on selected human cancer cell lines (IC50 MCF-7: 107 μg/ml, HeLa: 165 μg/ml, Caov-3: 100 μg/ml, and HepG2: 165 μg/ml). The findings from this study suggest that T. crispa has the potential to be a source of natural antioxidants and nutrients, besides having a moderate anti-proliferative effect on selected human cancer cell lines

Sedative, cognitive impairment and anxiolytic effects of acute Mitragyna speciosa in rodents

Mitragyna speciosa, a plant from Rubiaceae family, was reported to have an opium-like effect and their coca-like stimulative ability to combat fatigue and enhance tolerance to hard work. There are lack of information regarding to the effect of Mitragyna speciosa on cognitive and behavioural performances. Therefore the project was conducted to observe the effect of Mitragyna speciosa on cognitive behavior of rats and mice. Mitragyna speciosa in methanol extract form and aqueous extract form with same dosage distributions were used; 10 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg. Four tests were conducted to observe the behavioural changes of the animal namely locomotor, cognitive performances, anxiety and rotarod performance. Results showed that all dosage of treatment reduced locomotor and impaired cognitive performance significantly. Study showed that Mitragyna speciosa induce sedative effect in dose dependant manner. Interestingly, Mitragyna speciosa increased the time spent in open arm of plus maze indicating low anxiety level of the rodent. As conclusion, Mitragyna speciosa caused sedative effect, impairment in working memory, and possess anxiolytic properties

Attitude towards sex: study of secondary schoolchildren in Selangor state

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is one of the leading health problems worldwide. There is an increasing rate among the ages between 13 to 49 years old. School based intervention is an important component of community-based interventions for HIV/AIDS and is the best stage to promote abstinence which is best maintained among those not sexually experienced. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine attitude towards sex among secondary school children in Selangor state. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used. Four out of nine districts in Selangor state were selected at random. Students were divided according to gender, academic performance (good or poor) with no behavioural problems and students with evidence of behaviour problems (at risk). Results: Out of 149 students, the majority (56.4%) were females. The majority of students did not think sex should be discussed in depth and do not speak to parents, teachers, religious teachers, counselors, relatives, doctors or nurses but speak to friends regarding sex. More than half watch pornography. A significantly higher percentage of male students in the weak and at-risk group admit to thinking of intimacy (hugging and kissing) with the opposite gender. A higher number of these students would try sex out of curiosity, for fun, because it was difficult to say ‘no’ to and that they would like it. A significantly higher percentage will try sex because they did not want to hurt their girlfriends’ feeling by saying ‘no’. While the majority of students think intimacy will end in sex, a significantly higher percentage of male at-risk students think just talking with the opposite gender will end in sex. The majority of male students responded feeling attracted to the picture of a girl in sexy clothing but a significantly higher percentage of at-risk students also felt attracted to the picture of a girl properly attired. A significantly higher percentage of male at-risk students say parents do not say sex before marriage is wrong and a significantly higher percentage of male students of weak and at-risk groups say girlfriends say sex before marriage is okay. A significantly higher percentage of weak and at-risk students speak to doctors regarding sex and think sex should be discussed in depth. Conclusion: Weak and at-risk male students appeared to have a more vulnerable attitude towards sex. This may predispose them to risky sexual behaviours leading to HIV/AIDS. Poor academic performance and behaviour problems may not be different as potential sexual risk predictors. The information obtained will be useful in designing intervention programmes in the prevention of HIV/AIDS

Supercapacitor with superior electrochemical properties derived from symmetrical manganese oxide-carbon fiber coated with polypyrrole

A supercapacitor electrode comprising conducting polypyrrole (PPy) coated on manganese oxide-carbon fiber (CNFMnO2) was successfully synthesized using electrospinning, followed by carbonization and in-situ polymerization. A non-uniform distribution of PPy on the surface of CNFMnO2 was observed via FESEM analysis. The chemical bonding of CNFMnO2/PPy and the valence state of manganese were revealed via FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, XRD and XPS measurements. CNFMnO2/PPy composite possessed high specific capacitance and specific energy of 315.80 Fg−1 and 13.68 Wh/kg, respectively. In addition, good electrochemical reversibility was proven upon CNFMnO2/PPy even at higher sweep rate (5–200 mV/s). Moreover, this one-dimensional electrode achieved an excellent long-term cycling stability (82.46%) over 2000 CV cycles with low charge transfer resistance (4.61 Ω). The modification of CNFMnO2/PPy contributes to good synergistic effects among the material which improve the electrochemical behavior of manganese oxide-based fiber composite for future supercapacitor

Ternary functionalised carbon nanofiber/polypyrrole/manganese oxide as high specific energy electrode for supercapacitor

A successful fabrication of ternary functionalised carbon nanofibers/polypyrrole/manganese oxide (f-CNFs/PPy/MnO₂) composite was reported. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) image had revealed a random distribution of granular PPy and spherical nanoparticles of MnO2 on the surface of f-CNFs. The measured contact angle of f-CNFs indicated superhydrophilic nature which can enhance the surface wettability and ionic diffusion. The ternary f-CNFs/PPy/MnO₂ composite displayed a remarkable specific capacitance of 409.88 F/g compared with f-CNFs/MnO₂ (322.96 F/g) and f-CNFs/PPy (290.83 F/g). The electrochemical properties of f-CNFs/PPy/MnO₂ had contributed to the appreciable specific energy of 42.53 Wh/kg at a specific power of 297.32 W/kg. The assembled f-CNFs/PPy/MnO₂ composite also showed low resistance of charge transfer (Rct) value (3.40 Ω) with a better cycle life (86.30% capacitance retention over 3000 cycles). Hence, ternary f-CNFs/PPy/MnO₂ can be suggested as a high-performance electrode for supercapacitor

Enhancement of electrochemical performance based on symmetrical poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) coated polyvinyl alcohol/graphene oxide/manganese oxide microfiber for supercapacitor

In this study, a symmetrical poly (3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coated on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-graphene oxide (GO)-manganese oxide (MnO2) microfibers (PVA-GO-MnO2/PEDOT) supercapacitor was successfully prepared using a combination of two facile techniques; electrospinning and electropolymerisation. The FESEM analysis revealed the uniform distribution of manganese oxide nanoparticles on the surface of cross-linking PVA-GO microfibers and a cauliflower-like morphology was observed upon deposition of PEDOT on the surface of PVA-GO-MnO2 microfibers. The chemical composition of PVA-GO-MnO2/PEDOT and oxidation state of manganese were characterised using Raman and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The inclusion of MnO2 and PEDOT in the microcomposite proved the enhancement of specific capacitance where PVA-GO-MnO2/PEDOT exhibited a specific capacitance of 144.66 F/g compared to PVA-MnO2/PEDOT (107.22 F/g), PVA-GO/PEDOT (94.73 F/g) and PEDOT (62.86 F/g). A wide potential window (1.8 V) was achieved for PVA-GO-MnO2/PEDOT with an excellent capacitance retention of 91.18% suggesting an ideal capacitive behaviour and good cycling stability. PVA-GO-MnO2/PEDOT microcomposite also showed an improved specific energy and specific power with small equivalent series resistance (34.5 Ω) and charge transfer resistance (0.62 Ω). This demonstrated that symmetric electrode of PVA-GO-MnO2/PEDOT can offer a great promise in producing high-performance supercapacitors