The Cachrys genus (Apiaceae) is widely distributed in the Mediterranean Basin. Previous studies have highlighted the photobiological properties of different Cachrys species, such as C. pungens Jan, C. libanotis L. and C. sicula L. Based on these previous promising results, and in order to continue exploring such an interesting genus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the photocytotoxic activity of extracts from Cachrys ferulacea (L.) Calest. Aerial parts were collected in Calabria (southern Italy) and extracted through three different techniques: traditional maceration, supercritical CO2 and pressurized cyclic solid–liquid (PCSL) extraction using Naviglio extractor®. The phytochemical composition was assessed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and the photocytotoxic potential of samples was evaluated on a UVA-irradiated C32 melanoma cell line. The apoptotic responses on treated cells were also assessed. Furthermore, the phenolic and flavonoid contents and the in vitro antioxidant activity were also estimated. Different coumarins were identified and quantified. All the extracts affected cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner after irradiation with UVA light for 1 h at a dose of 1.08 J/cm2. Samples obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction showed the highest activity, with an IC50 value equal to 4.91 μg/mL. This study could provide a starting point for further research focusing on new photosensitizing agents useful in cancer photochemotherapy.
Cachrys ferulacea (L.) Calest. Extracts as Natural Photosensitizers: An In Vitro Photobiological Study
Mariangela Marrelli;Maria Rosaria Perri;Filomena Conforti;Francesca Giordano;Maria Luisa Panno;Giancarlo Statti
2021-01-01
Abstract
The Cachrys genus (Apiaceae) is widely distributed in the Mediterranean Basin. Previous studies have highlighted the photobiological properties of different Cachrys species, such as C. pungens Jan, C. libanotis L. and C. sicula L. Based on these previous promising results, and in order to continue exploring such an interesting genus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the photocytotoxic activity of extracts from Cachrys ferulacea (L.) Calest. Aerial parts were collected in Calabria (southern Italy) and extracted through three different techniques: traditional maceration, supercritical CO2 and pressurized cyclic solid–liquid (PCSL) extraction using Naviglio extractor®. The phytochemical composition was assessed with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and the photocytotoxic potential of samples was evaluated on a UVA-irradiated C32 melanoma cell line. The apoptotic responses on treated cells were also assessed. Furthermore, the phenolic and flavonoid contents and the in vitro antioxidant activity were also estimated. Different coumarins were identified and quantified. All the extracts affected cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner after irradiation with UVA light for 1 h at a dose of 1.08 J/cm2. Samples obtained through supercritical CO2 extraction showed the highest activity, with an IC50 value equal to 4.91 μg/mL. This study could provide a starting point for further research focusing on new photosensitizing agents useful in cancer photochemotherapy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
