Cytotoxic Constituents from the Bark of Erythrina poeppigiana Against the MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Abstract

Background: Erythrina poeppigiana (Leguminosae) is a high-growing plant with an orange flower that is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical countries. This particular plant is widely used in traditional medicine for gynecological complications and the treatment of various diseases. There exists no previous information regarding cytotoxic compounds from this plant. Objective: This research is to isolate cytotoxic compounds from E. poeppigiana. Methods: The isolation step was carried out using a combination of chromatographic techniques to obtain isolated three compounds (1, 2, and 3). Results: The chemical structure of isolated compounds was elucidated by spectroscopic methods and identified as β-erythroidine (1), 8-oxo-β-erythroidine (2), and 8-oxo-α-erythroidine (3). Compounds (1-3) showed cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer line with IC50 values of 36.8, 60.8 and 875.4 μM, respectively. Conclusion: Three compounds have been successfully isolated from Erythrina poeppigiana (Leguminosae), showing cytotoxic properties against MCF-7 breast cancer line. Structure-activity relationship studies showed that the presence of enone moiety on compound 1 can reduce its cytotoxic activity towards MCF-7 breast cancer line.