Nimbolide A Limonoid From Azadirachta Indica Inhibits Proliferation And Induces Apoptosis Of Human Choriocarcinoma (BeWo) Cells

Content Provider	Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Author	Kumar, G. Harish Mohan, Kvp Chandra Rao, A. Jagannadha Nagini, S.
Copyright Year	2008
Abstract	We investigated the cytotoxic effects of nimbolide, a limonoid present in leaves and flowers of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica) on human choriocarcinoma (BeWo) cells. Treatment with nimbolide resulted in dose- and time-dependent inhibition of growth of BeWo cells with IC50 values of 2.01 and 1.19 (So(BM for 7 and 24 h respectively, accompanied by downregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Examination of nuclear morphology revealed fragmentation and condensation indicating apoptosis. Increase in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was reversed by addition of reduced glutathione suggested ROS involvement in the cytotoxicity of nimbolide. A decrease in Bcl-2 Bax ratio with increased expression of Apaf-1 and caspase-3, and cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase provide compelling evidence that nimbolide-induced apoptosis is mediated by the mitochondrial pathway. The results of the present study suggest that nimbolide has immense potential in cancer prevention and therapy based on its antiproliferative and apoptosis inducing effects.
File Format	PDF
Journal	PeerReviewed
Language	English
Publisher	Springer
Publisher Date	2008-08-22
Access Restriction	Authorized
Subject Keyword	Biochemistry
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article