Cytotoxic effects of the root extracts of Eurycoma longifolia Jack

Phytother Res. 2005 Nov;19(11):994-6. doi: 10.1002/ptr.1759.

Abstract

The methanol, n-butanol, chloroform and water extracts obtained from the root of Eurycoma longifolia Jack were assayed using methylene blue assay to evaluate its cytotoxic effect against KB, DU-145, RD, MCF-7, CaOV-3, MDBK cell lines. The results showed that all the root extracts except the water extract of E. longifolia produced significant cytotoxic effect on these cell lines. However, no significant cytotoxic effect was detected on MDBK (kidney) normal cell line. 9-methoxycanthin-6-one, an alkaloid, was detected in each extract with different intensities by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbolines / analysis
  • Carbolines / toxicity
  • Cell Line, Tumor / drug effects*
  • Eurycoma*
  • Humans
  • Methylene Blue
  • Plant Extracts / toxicity*
  • Plant Roots / chemistry

Substances

  • 9-methoxycanthin-6-one
  • Carbolines
  • Plant Extracts
  • Methylene Blue