Polyphenolic compounds with anti-tumour potential from Corchorus olitorius (L.) Tiliaceae, a Nigerian leaf vegetable

Abstract
Chromatographic fractionation of the methanolic extract of Corchorus olitorious (L.) (Tiliaceae), on silica gel yielded two polyphenolic compounds. The structures of the compounds were elucidated as Methyl-1,4,5-tri-O-caffeoyl quinate and Trans-3-(4-Hydroxy- 3-methoxyphenyl) acrylic anhydride, based on extensive use of spectroscopic techniques such as 1H and 13C NMR, DEPT and 2D NMR experiments (COSY, HSQC, HMBC), IR and MS. To establish an initial proof-of-concept for the biological relevance of these compounds, their cytotoxicity in the HeLa cell line was assessed as an index of their anti-tumour potential. The compounds when tested at a range of concentrations up to 1.6 mM were found to possess mild cytotoxic activity. The trans-3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyl phenyl) acrylic anhydride was found to be related to curcumin, a compound known to have anti-cancer activity. The plant therefore represents a source of natural ‘lead’ compounds with anti-tumour potential
Description
25 pages
Keywords
Corchorus olitorius, Tiliaceae, caffeoyl quinate, ferrulic anhydride, cytotoxicity
Citation