Antiproliferative Effect of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw., cv. Madre Negra Extracts on Breast Cancer In Vitro

Abstract

Sechium edule shows a wide biological diversity. Hybrids and varieties of Sechium edule have been created, producing fruits of different shapes, sizes, colors, tastes, and textures. These hybrids and varieties have been used as food and in traditional medicine. In this research, the antiproliferative activity of the Madre Negra™ genotype of Sechium edule var. amarus silvestrys on the MCF7 breast cancer cell line was assessed. Different extracts in hexane, methanol, and dichloromethane were obtained to perform a bio-guided study. The dichloromethane extract showed the largest significant inhibitory activity (p < 0.05). This extract was separated into 92 fractions, which were reduced to eight fractions by chromogenic identity. Of the eight fractions, two recorded significant antiproliferative activity (p < 0.05) on MCF7, an even higher activity than the total extract. The active metabolites were identified as flavonoids, tannins, and terpenes, of which cucurbitacins I, B, D, and E stood out. The present paper can be considered as preliminary results of our research work.