Home Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad: Chemical characterization, scavenging and cytotoxic activities
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Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad: Chemical characterization, scavenging and cytotoxic activities

  • Mohammed Bourhia , Mouhcine Messaoudi , Hanane Bakrim , Ramzi A. Mothana , Nasir A. Sddiqui , Omer M. Almarfadi , Mohammed El Mzibri , Said Gmouh , Amin Laglaoui and Laila Benbacer
Published/Copyright: August 7, 2020
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Open Chemistry
From the journal Open Chemistry Volume 18 Issue 1

Abstract

Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad (C. colocynthis) called colocynth is a wild species that belongs to the family cucurbitaceae. The present research work aimed to study the phytochemical composition, cytotoxic and antioxidant activities of C. colocynthis seed extract. The chemical characterization of C. colocynthis seeds was effectuated using a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The cytotoxic activity of C. colocynthis seed extract against breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231) and colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) was assessed using the WST-1 bioassay. The antioxidant power was evaluated by the DPPH assay. The phytochemical characterization of C. colocynthis seed extract showed the richness of C. colocynthis seed extract in several families of bioactive compounds. Regarding the cytotoxic activity, the IC50 (the half-maximal inhibitory concentration) of C. colocynthis seed extract in inhibiting MDA-MB-231 and HT-29 were 170.34 and 132.31 µg/mL, respectively. The cancerous cell lines MDA-MB-231 seem to be more sensitive to C. colocynthis seed extract than HT-29 cell lines. C. colocynthis seed extract exhibited a strong antioxidant power with an IC50 value of 1.37 mg/mL. Insight into the results obtained, C. colocynthis seed extract may be used as a promising weapon to fight against cancer and free radicals’ damage.

Keywords: Citrullus colocynthis; seeds; phytochemical characterization; cytotoxic activity; antioxidant activity; GC-MS

1 Introduction

When traditional medicine has not become of great interest for being used in the treatment, doctors and health organizations strongly call for its application in the treatment of diseases because of its promising therapeutic effects. About 80% of the world population and more than 90% of those based in developing countries depend on herbal medicine for primary health care [1,2,3]. For many decades, medicinal plants have played an essential role in pharmacological research studies and drug realizations. Plants contain many active compounds, the great majority of which are derived from secondary metabolism. These constituents are used as therapeutic agents, as raw materials for drug synthesis, or as models for pharmacologically active compounds [4]. Plants possess very interesting biological properties which are attributed to their content in secondary metabolites like polyphenols, alkaloids, terpenes, and essential oils that are applied in various fields like medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology, and agriculture [5].

The knowledge of medicinal plants goes to be lost since the younger generations have not been interested in keeping the natural heritage [7]. As a result, substances developed in laboratories turn out to be more expensive to be used in the treatment [6]. This type of knowledge has a real cultural value and may ultimately lead to the development of new pharmaceutical drugs. The sustainable exploitation of medicinal plants could contribute not only to the preservation of a significant part of biological diversity but also to the improvement in the living conditions of local communities by developing the trade in medicinal plants or their derivatives [8].

C. colocynthis called colocynth is a wild species that belongs to the family cucurbitaceae and is considered to be one of the most genetically diverse plant groups [9]. C. colocynthis fruits have naturally globular aspects, yellow or red color with a potential of poisonous content [10].

The traditional use of C. colocynthis has been largely described in the earlier literature. The plant studied in this research work has been used in the treatment of several diseases comprising diabetes, asthma, constipation, toothache, leprosy, bronchitis, jaundice, joint pain, mastitis, and skin infections [11,12].

To the best of our knowledge, no previous literature has investigated the medicinal properties of C. colocynthis seeds; therefore, the present study was undertaken to screen the phytochemical composition, the cytotoxic effect, and the antioxidant activity of C. colocynthis seeds.

2 Materials and methods

2.1 Plant material and extract preparation

The plant material was collected from the surrounding regions of Tangier city located in the north-west of Morocco. The plant was botanically identified by the taxonomist Pr M. Bakkali (Team of Research in Biotechnology and Biomolecular Genius – Faculty of Sciences and Techniques Tangier – Morocco) and the voucher specimen # LMB 06/04 has been deposited in the local herbarium. After drying the fruits at room temperature in the shade for ten days, seeds were salvaged and ground into a fine powder. One hundred milligrams of powder was extracted by maceration using ethanol for 72 h. Afterward, the mixture was filtered under reduced pressure using a rotary evaporator to obtain 2.4 g of crude extract and then kept at −20°C until further use [13].

2.2 Identification of bioactive constituents by GC-MS analysis

The analysis of C. colocynthis seed ethanolic extract was carried out using a GC-MS. The Clarus 580 chromatography apparatus equipped with a capillary column (5% phenyl, 95% methypolysiloxane) (30.0 MX 250 µm) and coupled to a mass spectrometer (Polaris Q) (EI 70 eV) was used in this assay. The carrier gas was helium at 1 mL/min. The split was 1/75 and the injection volume was 1 µL. The injection and detection temperatures were set to 250 and 280°C, respectively. The temperature of the furnace regulating the temperature of the column was programmed as follows: from 50°C to 200°C at a rate of 11°C/min, then from 200°C to 240°C at a rate of 6°C/min. The spectra of the major unknown compounds were compared to the spectrum of the known component in the NIST library [13].

2.3 Cell culture

Breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231) and colon cancer cell lines (HT-29) were used to perform the current research work. The cancer cell lines were kindly provided by Dr H. Morjani, UFR Pharmacy, Reims, France. Cells were cultured in the DMEM (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium) with the following supplements: Glutamine and fetal calf serum, and a mixture of streptomycin/penicillin was added at the rate of 1% to each. The cancerous cells were kept at 37°C with 5% CO2 and 95% moisture for 24 h (Figure 1).

Figure 1 Cancerous cell lines (HT-29).
Figure 1

Cancerous cell lines (HT-29).

2.4 Cell viability assay

Cell viability assay was performed using the WST-1 assay, according to the methods described in the earlier data [13]. Briefly, during the exponential growth of cells, MDA-MB-231and colon HT-29 were initially seeded on 96-well microplates. The C. colocynthis extract was applied at concentrations that ranged from 7.81 to 250 µg/mL. At the end of the treatment period, 10 µL of the medium was replaced with 10 µL of the WST-1 reagent in each well and then the plates were incubated for further time. Cell viability was evaluated by reading the absorbance at 450 nm using a multiplate reader.

The percentage of cytotoxicity was calculated using the following equation:

Celldeath(%)=controlOD−sampleODcontrolOD×100

In the present study, the concentration giving 50% cell growth inhibition (IC50) was calculated from the dose–response curve obtained by plotting the percentage of inhibition vs concentrations (µg/mL).

2.5 Antioxidant activity

The antioxidant activity was conducted, according to the earlier found protocols [14]. C. colocynthis extract was tested in different concentrations that ranged from 0.313 to 10 mg/mL. Briefly, each concentration was dropped in a microplate with 96 wells and then 50 µL of 1 mM DPPH was added to each well. The microplates were placed at room temperature for 30 min under dark conditions and then the absorbance was read at 517 nm. BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) was used as a positive control. The percentage of free radical inhibition was calculated as follows:

%inhibition=ODsample–ODcontrolODcontrol×100

IC50 (the required concentration for inducing 50% inhibition of free radical) was calculated from the graph.

2.6 Statistical analysis

Data were expressed as the means of duplicate assays ± SD (standard deviation). The significant difference between the means was calculated using the Student’s t-test. Statistically, a significant difference was considered, when P < 0.05.

  1. Ethical approval: The conducted research work is not related to either human or animal use.

3 Results

3.1 Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis

The results of C. colocynthis seed extract showed the presence of interesting bioactive molecules (Figure 2; Table 1).

Figure 2 GC-MS chromatogram of C. colocynthis seed extract.
Figure 2

GC-MS chromatogram of C. colocynthis seed extract.

Table 1

Bioactive molecules identified in C. colocynthis seed extract using a GC-MS

Pk #RTHitCompound nameMatchR. MatchProb.CASLibrary
13.4201Methylene chloride66588783.675-09-2mainlib
2Methane-d, trichloro-5457474.4865-49-6mainlib
31,3-Dioxolane, 2-heptyl-4-phenyl-5426433.955668-40-1mainlib
23.7981Hexanal82582953.666-25-1mainlib
2Cyclopentanol, 2-methyl-, trans-79481214.625144-04-1mainlib
32-Hexen-1-ol, (E)-7747766.7928-95-0mainlib
33.9441Tetrachloroethylene76382695.1127-18-4mainlib
21,4-Dichloro-2-fluorobenzene5335940.9mainlib
31,2-Dichloro-4-fluorobenzene5255600.71435-49-0mainlib
44.13014-[Dichloromethyl]-2-[[2-[1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinyl]ethyl]amino-6-trichloromethylpyrimidine50460328.2mainlib
21,16-Cyclocorynan-17-oic acid, 19,20-didehydro-, methyl ester, (16 S,19E)-4745257.86393-66-4mainlib
3Cyclopentanemethanol, 1-amino-4716216.910316-79-7mainlib
54.2351Methylene chloride53773267.975-09-2mainlib
21,16-Cyclocorynan-17-oic acid, 19,20-didehydro-, methyl ester, (16S,19E)-47151610.76393-66-4mainlib
3Dichloroacetaldehyde4506264.679-02-7mainlib
64.36111-Heptanol, 3-methyl-63474210.21070-32-2mainlib
22,4-Dimethylhept-1-ene6107243.4mainlib
3Octyl chloroformate6106923.47452-59-7mainlib
74.4871N-(2,2-Dichloro-1-hydroxy-ethyl)-2,2-dimethyl-propionamide50957312.058956-78-8mainlib
21,3-Dioxolane, 2-heptyl-4-phenyl-5015728.955668-40-1mainlib
3Cyclopentanone, 2-(1-methylpropyl)-4916766.36376-92-7mainlib
84.6631Methylene chloride5346887.475-09-2mainlib
22-Piperidinecarboxylic acid5316316.5535-75-1mainlib
3Pyrrolidine, 2-ethyl-1-methyl-5297656.026158-82-7mainlib
94.7031Methylene chloride53169427.875-09-2mainlib
2Methane-d, trichloro-52874624.6865-49-6mainlib
31,16-Cyclocorynan-17-oic acid, 19,20-didehydro-, methyl ester, (16S,19E)-4975346.76393-66-4mainlib
104.7881Butanoic acid, 4,4′-dithiobis[2-amino-,[S-(R*,R*)]-3904009.2626-72-2mainlib
2Ethanethiol, 2-(3-(3-chloro-2- pyridyloxy)propyl)amino-, hydrogen sulfate3864137.841286-95-7mainlib
3dl-Homocystine3813876.3870-93-9mainlib
114.8841N-(1-Hydroxy-4-oxo-1-phenylperhydroquinolizin-3-yl)carbamic acid, benzyl ester56058222.8mainlib
2Ethylbenzene54283911.8100-41-4mainlib
3Benzaldehyde, 4-benzyloxy-2-fluoro-5-hydroxy-5286067.4141523-16-2mainlib
124.9641Methylene chloride41558021.475-09-2mainlib
2Aethylephedrin propionyl3886306.3mainlib
32-[4-Chloro-2-nitrophenyl]-1-(2-diethylaminoethyl)-3-formyl-1H-indole3764184.265287-47-0mainlib
135.07212-Cyclohexylpiperidine4605705.256528-77-9mainlib
22-[p-Chlorobenzoyl]piperidine4566154.463587-52-0mainlib
3Pyrrolidin-2-one, 5-pentyl-4555824.23817-18-3mainlib
145.1571Nitrous acid, cyclohexyl ester55469512.65156-40-1mainlib
2Cyclohexanol5486209.9108-93-0mainlib
32-Hexen-1-ol, (E)-5456278.7928-95-0mainlib
155.2421Isonicotinic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester5797306.4mainlib
2Nicotinic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester5787316.2mainlib
3Benzene, (nitromethyl)-5726344.8622-42-4mainlib
165.30713-Piperidinecarboxamide, 6-oxo-50467230.8189763-34-6mainlib
2Carbonic acid, (ethyl)(1,2,4-triazol-1-ylmethyl) diester4655067.3mainlib
32(3H)-Furanone, 3-(2-bromoethyl)-4,5-dihydro-4555555.154815-24-6mainlib
175.4771meso-3,4-Hexanediol52896951.422520-39-4mainlib
2Oxirane, 3-ethyl-2,2-dimethyl-49183012.51192-22-9mainlib
32-Methoxyethoxymethyl chloride4586543.33970-21-6mainlib
185.56711,16-Cyclocorynan-17-oic acid, 19,20-didehydro-, methyl ester, (16S,19E)-44947926.96393-66-4mainlib
24-Chlorobuten-3-yne4017605.640589-38-6mainlib
3N-Morpholinomethylidene-3-morpholino-2-(2-thienyl)thioacrylamide3984024.9mainlib
195.7761Ethanethioic acid, S-(1-ethylbutyl)ester5276226.755590-84-6mainlib
22-Hexanol, 3,4-dimethyl-5096453.519550-05-1mainlib
3Methoxyacetic acid, 4-methylpentyl ester5086123.3mainlib
206.09712-Heptenal, (E)-5707369.918829-55-5mainlib
22-Pentenal, (E)-5606347.01576-87-0mainlib
32-Butenal, 3-methyl-5597446.7107-86-8mainlib
216.25812-Heptenal, (Z)-94096177.757266-86-1mainlib
22-Heptenal, (E)-8508696.618829-55-5mainlib
31-Hexene, 3,5-dimethyl-8438745.17423-69-0mainlib
226.3791Benzoic acid 3-methyl-4-(1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2- methoxycarbonyl-propenylsulfanyl)-phenyl ester4715209.6mainlib
23-Fluoro-3-(2-oxo-2-phenyl-ethylsulfanyl)-2-trifluoromethyl-acrylic acid methyl ester4605206.6329735-34-4mainlib
3Benzamide, N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-4477074.364160-38-9mainlib
236.8881Decane, 2,5,6-trimethyl-76686314.062108-23-0mainlib
2Heptane, 2,3,6-trimethyl-7468416.44032-93-3mainlib
3Oxalic acid, isobutyl nonyl ester7428495.4mainlib
247.8781N-Methyl-3-piperidinecarboxamide5356578.35115-98-0mainlib
21,16-Cyclocorynan-17-oic acid, 19,20-didehydro-, methyl ester, (16S,19E)-5335647.76393-66-4mainlib
34-[(5-Oxopyrrolidin-2-yl)carbonyl]-morpholine5316377.176284-13-4mainlib
258.43112,4,6,8-Tetramethyl-1-undecene7608788.559920-26-2mainlib
2Oxalic acid, allyl nonyl ester7468255.3mainlib
31-Octanol, 2-butyl-7427924.53913-02-8mainlib
269.8581Dodecane84684910.2112-40-3mainlib
2Undecane, 2,6-dimethyl-8248574.117301-23-4mainlib
3Undecane8228333.71120-21-4mainlib
2710.57711-Oxaspiro[2.2]pentane, 5-isopropylidene-2,2,4,4- tetramethyl-5486407.715448-69-8mainlib
26,6-Dimethyl-2-vinylidenebicyclo[3.1.1]heptane5395975.639021-75-5mainlib
31-Propene, 2-nitro-3-(1-cyclooctenyl)5345794.580255-21-6mainlib
2810.76912-Decenal, (Z)-81888239.62497-25-8mainlib
22-Decenal, (E)-79987919.23913-81-3mainlib
3cis-7-Decen-1-al7337923.021661-97-2mainlib
2910.9981(Z)-3-Phenylacrylaldehyde79186247.957194-69-1mainlib
22-Propenal, 3-phenyl-76182613.3104-55-2mainlib
3Benzylidenemalonaldehyde7518229.482700-43-4mainlib
3011.20912,4-Decadienal89492353.72363-88-4mainlib
22,4-Decadienal, (E,E)-87487824.525152-84-5mainlib
32,4-Nonadienal7988483.16750-03-4mainlib
3111.49612,4-Decadienal91193953.92363-88-4mainlib
22,4-Decadienal, (E,E)-89390227.825152-84-5mainlib
32,4-Nonadienal8288804.56750-03-4mainlib
3212.3611Germacrene D7528238.023986-74-5mainlib
2alfa-Copaene7517747.7mainlib
3Copaene7517717.73856-25-5mainlib
3312.4581Heptadecane, 2,6,10,14-tetramethyl-8508554.018344-37-1mainlib
2Heptadecane, 2,6-dimethyl-8508544.054105-67-8mainlib
3Tetradecane8498503.9629-59-4mainlib
3414.69717-Hexadecene, (Z)-8278565.335507-09-6mainlib
29-Octadecene, (E)-8258524.97206-25-9mainlib
3Cetene8208534.0629-73-2mainlib
3514.7691Hexadecane87287410.7544-76-3mainlib
2Pentadecane, 7-methyl-8488493.66165-40-8mainlib
3Tridecane8468663.3629-50-5mainlib
3615.9421Ethyl trans-α-cyanocinnamate74883063.42169-69-9mainlib
22-Propenoic acid, 2-cyano-3-phenyl-, ethyl ester72780327.02025-40-3mainlib
32-Propenoic acid, 3-(3-cyanophenyl)-, ethyl ester6627364.387087-44-3mainlib
3716.84312-Dodecanol8388884.710203-28-8mainlib
2Cetene8318783.6629-73-2mainlib
37-Tetradecene, (Z)-8318713.641446-60-0mainlib
3816.9081Pentadecane8588706.6629-62-9mainlib
2Hexadecane8478594.5544-76-3mainlib
3Dodecane, 2-methyl-8468834.31560-97-0mainlib
3918.9511n-Hexadecanoic acid78780955.357-10-3mainlib
2Tridecanoic acid7237559.1638-53-9mainlib
3Tetradecanoic acid7207498.0544-63-8mainlib
4019.16819-Eicosene, (E)-7358083.274685-29-3mainlib
2E-14-Hexadecenal7347853.0330207-53-9mainlib
3Trichloroacetic acid, tetradecyl ester7338102.974339-52-9mainlib
4119.2281Dodecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-82087113.73891-98-3mainlib
2Sulfurous acid, 2-ethylhexyl hexyl ester81992213.2mainlib
3Tridecane7978505.2629-50-5mainlib
4219.4391Ethanol, 2-(9-octadecenyloxy)-, (Z)-5525566.05353-25-3mainlib
29-Hexadecenoic acid5445714.52091-29-4mainlib
3Dodecanoic acid, 3-hydroxy-5365773.41883-13-2mainlib
4319.87615-Heptyn-3-ol, 2-benzyloxy-7-methoxy-1-(t-butyldimethylsilyl)oxy-5486478.4mainlib
21,2-Propanediol, 3-benzyloxy-1,2-diacetyl-5407176.213754-10-4mainlib
35-Methyl-6-phenyltetrahydro-1,3-oxazine-2-thione5406026.286071-95-6mainlib
4420.20711-fluorenecarboxylic acid, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ester67668826.6mainlib
21H-Phenalene67180021.4203-80-5mainlib
39H-Fluorene, 9-bromo-67076820.61940-57-4mainlib
4520.4781Heptadecane, 9-hexyl-67067013.755124-79-3mainlib
2Octadecane, 3-ethyl-5-(2-ethylbutyl)-6466464.655282-12-7mainlib
3Dodecane, 5,8-diethyl-6436624.124251-86-3mainlib
4621.2001Linoelaidic acid85188110.3506-21-8mainlib
211,14-Eicosadienoic acid, methyl ester8398786.82463-02-7mainlib
317-Octadecynoic acid8238283.934450-18-5mainlib
4721.7121Pentadecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-7077904.43892-00-0mainlib
2Tetradecane7057934.0629-59-4mainlib
3Pentadecane7037833.7629-62-9mainlib
4822.00712,6-Nonadienal, 3,7-dimethyl-51357916.941448-29-7mainlib
27-Heptadecene, 1-chloro-4814964.556554-78-0mainlib
32-(4-Nitrobutyryl)-cyclopentanone4785674.079630-91-4mainlib
4923.0431Disulfide, di-tert-dodecyl6837124.827458-90-8mainlib
2Tetradecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-6667162.614905-56-7mainlib
3Ethanol, 2-(octadecyloxy)-6666762.62136-72-3mainlib
5023.30412,4-Heptadiene, 5-diethylboryl-2-methyl-4- trimethylsilyl-49455315.6mainlib
2t-Butyl-(2-[3-(2,2-dimethyl-6-methylene-cyclohexyl)-propyl]-[1,3]dithian-2-yl)-dimethyl-silane4744837.195472-42-7mainlib

3.2 Antioxidant effect

C. colocynthis ethanolic extract showed a promising free radical inhibition in dose-dependent concentration. The IC50 value (the required concentration for inhibiting 50% of free radicals) generated by C. colocynthis ethanolic extract was determined at 4.56 mg/mL by the time the BHT, which was used as a reference, exhibited an IC50 value of 1.37 mg/mL (Figure 3). A significant difference between the IC50 value (4.56 mg/mL) of C. colocynthis ethanolic extract and BHT IC50 1.37 mg/mL was recorded (P < 0.05).

Figure 3 Inhibition percentage of the scavenging activity of C. colocynthis ethanolic extract (results are presented as means ± SD).
Figure 3

Inhibition percentage of the scavenging activity of C. colocynthis ethanolic extract (results are presented as means ± SD).

3.3 Cytotoxic effect of C. colocynthis seeds

The finding of the cytotoxic effects investigated in the current research work showed that all cancerous cell lines were sensitive to the plant extract. The ethanolic extract induced toxic effects on both HT-29 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines after 72 h of treatment with IC50 values of 170.34 and 132.31 µg/mL, respectively. The MDA-MB-231 cell lines were more sensitive to C. colocynthis seed extract, compared to colon HT-29 cell lines (Figure 4).

Figure 4 Dose–response curve of cell viability after 72 h of treatment with the C. colocynthis ethanolic extract (results are presented as means ± SD).
Figure 4

Dose–response curve of cell viability after 72 h of treatment with the C. colocynthis ethanolic extract (results are presented as means ± SD).

Figure 4 shows that the extract studied induced pronounced cell toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the IC50 value induced by the mitomycin used as positive control 0. 2 vs the IC50 values generated by the extract on both cancerous cell lines HT-29 (170.34 mg/mL) and MDA-MB-231 (132.31 mg/mL). The statistical analysis also showed the presence of a significant difference between the IC50 value of HT-29 vs MDA-MB-231 (P < 0.05).

4 Discussion

Cancer is a major burden worldwide, although the modern medicine has succeeded to limit its impact by involving large therapeutic categories, resistance to classical modern therapeutic agents continues to be a major challenge in cancer therapies. It is worth searching for new effective agents with no or few secondary effects for cancer treatment which is highly appreciated. In this context, natural products have continued to receive increasing attention due to their potential preventive and therapeutic effects vs cancer. The role of medicinal plants in cancer treatment has been widely investigated [15]. As earlier described, the products derived from plants are good sources for bioactive compounds’ discovery as well as drug conception and development [16,17].

The traditional use of the currently studied plant in North African alternative medicine has been documented in the earlier data, which showed the use of C. colocynthis for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension [18].

In the present research work, we investigated the chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of C. colocynthis ethanolic extract. Regarding the antioxidant activity, the DPPH scavenging method was used to screen this activity. The findings obtained showed that the ethanolic extract possesses a promising antioxidant power with an IC50 value of 4.56 mg/mL. These results are highly justified by the presence of bioactive compounds in the plant extract characterized with a GC-MS (Table 1), which showed the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids as responsible agents for the antioxidant activity [19]. Isoorientin 3-O-methylether, isosaponarin, and isovitexin isolated from C. colocynthis possess a strong antioxidant power with an IC50 value ranging from 5.62 × 10−4 to 7.13 × 10−2 mg/mL [20]. The antioxidant power of C. colocynthis is in consent with those reported in the earlier data [21]. It was also revealed that the antioxidant activity is attributed to the cucurbitacin glycoside content in the ethanolic extract, as shown in the earlier literature [22].

In the current research work, we also investigated the toxic effects of C. colocynthis on both HT-29 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The results obtained showed that the studied extract possesses interesting cytotoxic effects with IC50 values of 170.34 and 132.31 µg/mL, respectively. These findings were in agreement with the earlier data which showed an important antiproliferative effect on human breast cancer cells induced by cucurbitacin, isolated from the leaves of C. colocynthis [22]. The cytotoxic effects of the fruit pulp of C. colocynthis against cancer breast cell lines MCF-7 were studied [23]. Some chemical compounds revealed in the current extract such as ethylbenzene and tetrachloroethylene could determine the cytotoxic effect of C. colocynthis on HT-29 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines as to whether their effects are due to a single molecule or due to a potential synergy between them, and therefore further studies that may lead to determining the responsible compounds for the current activities are still appreciated.

5 Conclusion

The present research work provides interesting data about the chemical characterization, antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of C. colocynthis ethanolic extract. Based on the results obtained, C. colocynthis seed extract may be used as a promising weapon to fight cancer and free radicals’ damage.

Acknowledgment

The authors extend their appreciation to the Research Supporting Project (No. RSP2020/119), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for financial support.

  1. Funding: The present research study was supported by the “Morrocan National Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Staff training”, and “the National Centre for Scientific and Technical Research”, in agreement with project No. PPR/2015/41.

  2. Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Received: 2020-05-19
Revised: 2020-07-08
Accepted: 2020-07-09
Published Online: 2020-08-07

© 2020 Mohammed Bourhia et al., published by De Gruyter

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Regular Articles
  2. Electrochemical antioxidant screening and evaluation based on guanine and chitosan immobilized MoS2 nanosheet modified glassy carbon electrode (guanine/CS/MoS2/GCE)
  3. Kinetic models of the extraction of vanillic acid from pumpkin seeds
  4. On the maximum ABC index of bipartite graphs without pendent vertices
  5. Estimation of the total antioxidant potential in the meat samples using thin-layer chromatography
  6. Molecular dynamics simulation of sI methane hydrate under compression and tension
  7. Spatial distribution and potential ecological risk assessment of some trace elements in sediments and grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) along the Arabian Gulf coast, Saudi Arabia
  8. Amino-functionalized graphene oxide for Cr(VI), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal from industrial wastewater
  9. Chemical composition and in vitro activity of Origanum vulgare L., Satureja hortensis L., Thymus serpyllum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils towards oral isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
  10. Effect of excess Fluoride consumption on Urine-Serum Fluorides, Dental state and Thyroid Hormones among children in “Talab Sarai” Punjab Pakistan
  11. Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Isoxazole Tagged Indole Hybrid Compounds
  12. Comparison of kinetic and enzymatic properties of intracellular phosphoserine aminotransferases from alkaliphilic and neutralophilic bacteria
  13. Green Organic Solvent-Free Oxidation of Alkylarenes with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Catalyzed by Water-Soluble Copper Complex
  14. Ducrosia ismaelis Asch. essential oil: chemical composition profile and anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential assessment
  15. DFT calculations as an efficient tool for prediction of Raman and infra-red spectra and activities of newly synthesized cathinones
  16. Influence of Chemical Osmosis on Solute Transport and Fluid Velocity in Clay Soils
  17. A New fatty acid and some triterpenoids from propolis of Nkambe (North-West Region, Cameroon) and evaluation of the antiradical scavenging activity of their extracts
  18. Antiplasmodial Activity of Stigmastane Steroids from Dryobalanops oblongifolia Stem Bark
  19. Rapid identification of direct-acting pancreatic protectants from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves tea by the method of serum pharmacochemistry combined with target cell extraction
  20. Immobilization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa static biomass on eggshell powder for on-line preconcentration and determination of Cr (VI)
  21. Assessment of methyl 2-({[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoyl] sulfamoyl}methyl)benzoate through biotic and abiotic degradation modes
  22. Stability of natural polyphenol fisetin in eye drops Stability of fisetin in eye drops
  23. Production of a bioflocculant by using activated sludge and its application in Pb(II) removal from aqueous solution
  24. Molecular Properties of Carbon Crystal Cubic Structures
  25. Synthesis and characterization of calcium carbonate whisker from yellow phosphorus slag
  26. Study on the interaction between catechin and cholesterol by the density functional theory
  27. Analysis of some pharmaceuticals in the presence of their synthetic impurities by applying hybrid micelle liquid chromatography
  28. Two mixed-ligand coordination polymers based on 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid and flexible N-donor ligands: the protective effect on periodontitis via reducing the release of IL-1β and TNF-α
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  30. Development of ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction based on mesoporous carbon coated with silica@iron oxide nanocomposite for preconcentration of Te and Tl in natural water systems
  31. N,N′-Bis[2-hydroxynaphthylidene]/[2-methoxybenzylidene]amino]oxamides and their divalent manganese complexes: Isolation, spectral characterization, morphology, antibacterial and cytotoxicity against leukemia cells
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  36. LaCoO3 perovskite-type catalysts in syngas conversion
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  38. Fragmentation pattern of certain isatin–indole antiproliferative conjugates with application to identify their in vitro metabolic profiles in rat liver microsomes by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
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https://doi.org/10.1515/chem-2020-0124
Keywords for this article
Citrullus colocynthis; seeds; phytochemical characterization; cytotoxic activity; antioxidant activity; GC-MS
Creative Commons
BY 4.0

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Regular Articles
  2. Electrochemical antioxidant screening and evaluation based on guanine and chitosan immobilized MoS2 nanosheet modified glassy carbon electrode (guanine/CS/MoS2/GCE)
  3. Kinetic models of the extraction of vanillic acid from pumpkin seeds
  4. On the maximum ABC index of bipartite graphs without pendent vertices
  5. Estimation of the total antioxidant potential in the meat samples using thin-layer chromatography
  6. Molecular dynamics simulation of sI methane hydrate under compression and tension
  7. Spatial distribution and potential ecological risk assessment of some trace elements in sediments and grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) along the Arabian Gulf coast, Saudi Arabia
  8. Amino-functionalized graphene oxide for Cr(VI), Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) removal from industrial wastewater
  9. Chemical composition and in vitro activity of Origanum vulgare L., Satureja hortensis L., Thymus serpyllum L. and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils towards oral isolates of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata
  10. Effect of excess Fluoride consumption on Urine-Serum Fluorides, Dental state and Thyroid Hormones among children in “Talab Sarai” Punjab Pakistan
  11. Design, Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Isoxazole Tagged Indole Hybrid Compounds
  12. Comparison of kinetic and enzymatic properties of intracellular phosphoserine aminotransferases from alkaliphilic and neutralophilic bacteria
  13. Green Organic Solvent-Free Oxidation of Alkylarenes with tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide Catalyzed by Water-Soluble Copper Complex
  14. Ducrosia ismaelis Asch. essential oil: chemical composition profile and anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant potential assessment
  15. DFT calculations as an efficient tool for prediction of Raman and infra-red spectra and activities of newly synthesized cathinones
  16. Influence of Chemical Osmosis on Solute Transport and Fluid Velocity in Clay Soils
  17. A New fatty acid and some triterpenoids from propolis of Nkambe (North-West Region, Cameroon) and evaluation of the antiradical scavenging activity of their extracts
  18. Antiplasmodial Activity of Stigmastane Steroids from Dryobalanops oblongifolia Stem Bark
  19. Rapid identification of direct-acting pancreatic protectants from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves tea by the method of serum pharmacochemistry combined with target cell extraction
  20. Immobilization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa static biomass on eggshell powder for on-line preconcentration and determination of Cr (VI)
  21. Assessment of methyl 2-({[(4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-2-yl)carbamoyl] sulfamoyl}methyl)benzoate through biotic and abiotic degradation modes
  22. Stability of natural polyphenol fisetin in eye drops Stability of fisetin in eye drops
  23. Production of a bioflocculant by using activated sludge and its application in Pb(II) removal from aqueous solution
  24. Molecular Properties of Carbon Crystal Cubic Structures
  25. Synthesis and characterization of calcium carbonate whisker from yellow phosphorus slag
  26. Study on the interaction between catechin and cholesterol by the density functional theory
  27. Analysis of some pharmaceuticals in the presence of their synthetic impurities by applying hybrid micelle liquid chromatography
  28. Two mixed-ligand coordination polymers based on 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid and flexible N-donor ligands: the protective effect on periodontitis via reducing the release of IL-1β and TNF-α
  29. Incorporation of silver stearate nanoparticles in methacrylate polymeric monoliths for hemeprotein isolation
  30. Development of ultrasound-assisted dispersive solid-phase microextraction based on mesoporous carbon coated with silica@iron oxide nanocomposite for preconcentration of Te and Tl in natural water systems
  31. N,N′-Bis[2-hydroxynaphthylidene]/[2-methoxybenzylidene]amino]oxamides and their divalent manganese complexes: Isolation, spectral characterization, morphology, antibacterial and cytotoxicity against leukemia cells
  32. Determination of the content of selected trace elements in Polish commercial fruit juices and health risk assessment
  33. Diorganotin(iv) benzyldithiocarbamate complexes: synthesis, characterization, and thermal and cytotoxicity study
  34. Keratin 17 is induced in prurigo nodularis lesions
  35. Anticancer, antioxidant, and acute toxicity studies of a Saudi polyherbal formulation, PHF5
  36. LaCoO3 perovskite-type catalysts in syngas conversion
  37. Comparative studies of two vegetal extracts from Stokesia laevis and Geranium pratense: polyphenol profile, cytotoxic effect and antiproliferative activity
  38. Fragmentation pattern of certain isatin–indole antiproliferative conjugates with application to identify their in vitro metabolic profiles in rat liver microsomes by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
  39. Investigation of polyphenol profile, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Aconogonon alpinum (All.) Schur roots
  40. Lead discovery of a guanidinyl tryptophan derivative on amyloid cascade inhibition
  41. Physicochemical evaluation of the fruit pulp of Opuntia spp growing in the Mediterranean area under hard climate conditions
  42. Electronic structural properties of amino/hydroxyl functionalized imidazolium-based bromide ionic liquids
  43. New Schiff bases of 2-(quinolin-8-yloxy)acetohydrazide and their Cu(ii), and Zn(ii) metal complexes: their in vitro antimicrobial potentials and in silico physicochemical and pharmacokinetics properties
  44. Treatment of adhesions after Achilles tendon injury using focused ultrasound with targeted bFGF plasmid-loaded cationic microbubbles
  45. Synthesis of orotic acid derivatives and their effects on stem cell proliferation
  46. Chirality of β2-agonists. An overview of pharmacological activity, stereoselective analysis, and synthesis
  47. Fe3O4@urea/HITh-SO3H as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the solvent-free synthesis of 7-aryl-8H-benzo[h]indeno[1,2-b]quinoline-8-one and indeno[2′,1′:5,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives
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  49. Enhancement of thermal properties of bio-based microcapsules intended for textile applications
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  51. A green strategy for obtaining anthraquinones from Rheum tanguticum by subcritical water
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  61. Treatment of Parkinson’s disease using focused ultrasound with GDNF retrovirus-loaded microbubbles to open the blood–brain barrier
  62. New derivatives of a natural nordentatin
  63. Fluorescence biomarkers of malignant melanoma detectable in urine
  64. Study of the remediation effects of passivation materials on Pb-contaminated soil
  65. Saliva proteomic analysis reveals possible biomarkers of renal cell carcinoma
  66. Withania frutescens: Chemical characterization, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and healing activities
  67. Design, synthesis and pharmacological profile of (−)-verbenone hydrazones
  68. Synthesis of magnesium carbonate hydrate from natural talc
  69. Stability-indicating HPLC-DAD assay for simultaneous quantification of hydrocortisone 21 acetate, dexamethasone, and fluocinolone acetonide in cosmetics
  70. A novel lactose biosensor based on electrochemically synthesized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene/thiophene (EDOT/Th) copolymer
  71. Citrullus colocynthis (L.) Schrad: Chemical characterization, scavenging and cytotoxic activities
  72. Development and validation of a high performance liquid chromatography/diode array detection method for estrogen determination: Application to residual analysis in meat products
  73. PCSK9 concentrations in different stages of subclinical atherosclerosis and their relationship with inflammation
  74. Development of trace analysis for alkyl methanesulfonates in the delgocitinib drug substance using GC-FID and liquid–liquid extraction with ionic liquid
  75. Electrochemical evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of natural compounds on glassy carbon electrode modified with guanine-, polythionine-, and nitrogen-doped graphene
  76. A Dy(iii)–organic framework as a fluorescent probe for highly selective detection of picric acid and treatment activity on human lung cancer cells
  77. A Zn(ii)–organic cage with semirigid ligand for solvent-free cyanosilylation and inhibitory effect on ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion ability via regulating mi-RNA16 expression
  78. Polyphenol content and antioxidant activities of Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. leaves: Electrochemical and spectrophotometric approach and their antimicrobial properties
  79. The combined use of GC, PDSC and FT-IR techniques to characterize fat extracted from commercial complete dry pet food for adult cats
  80. MALDI-TOF MS profiling in the discovery and identification of salivary proteomic patterns of temporomandibular joint disorders
  81. Concentrations of dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs in natural animal feed additives
  82. Structure and some physicochemical and functional properties of water treated under ammonia with low-temperature low-pressure glow plasma of low frequency
  83. Mesoscale nanoparticles encapsulated with emodin for targeting antifibrosis in animal models
  84. Amine-functionalized magnetic activated carbon as an adsorbent for preconcentration and determination of acidic drugs in environmental water samples using HPLC-DAD
  85. Antioxidant activity as a response to cadmium pollution in three durum wheat genotypes differing in salt-tolerance
  86. A promising naphthoquinone [8-hydroxy-2-(2-thienylcarbonyl)naphtho[2,3-b]thiophene-4,9-dione] exerts anti-colorectal cancer activity through ferroptosis and inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway based on RNA sequencing
  87. Synthesis and efficacy of herbicidal ionic liquids with chlorsulfuron as the anion
  88. Effect of isovalent substitution on the crystal structure and properties of two-slab indates BaLa2−xSmxIn2O7
  89. Synthesis, spectral and thermo-kinetics explorations of Schiff-base derived metal complexes
  90. An improved reduction method for phase stability testing in the single-phase region
  91. Comparative analysis of chemical composition of some commercially important fishes with an emphasis on various Malaysian diets
  92. Development of a solventless stir bar sorptive extraction/thermal desorption large volume injection capillary gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric method for ultra-trace determination of pyrethroids pesticides in river and tap water samples
  93. A turbidity sensor development based on NL-PI observers: Experimental application to the control of a Sinaloa’s River Spirulina maxima cultivation
  94. Deep desulfurization of sintering flue gas in iron and steel works based on low-temperature oxidation
  95. Investigations of metallic elements and phenolics in Chinese medicinal plants
  96. Influence of site-classification approach on geochemical background values
  97. Effects of ageing on the surface characteristics and Cu(ii) adsorption behaviour of rice husk biochar in soil
  98. Adsorption and sugarcane-bagasse-derived activated carbon-based mitigation of 1-[2-(2-chloroethoxy)phenyl]sulfonyl-3-(4-methoxy-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl) urea-contaminated soils
  99. Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of bifunctional cooper(ii) complexes with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, flufenamic, mefenamic and tolfenamic acids and 1,10-phenanthroline
  100. Application of selenium and silicon to alleviate short-term drought stress in French marigold (Tagetes patula L.) as a model plant species
  101. Screening and analysis of xanthine oxidase inhibitors in jute leaves and their protective effects against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in cells
  102. Synthesis and physicochemical studies of a series of mixed-ligand transition metal complexes and their molecular docking investigations against Coronavirus main protease
  103. A study of in vitro metabolism and cytotoxicity of mephedrone and methoxetamine in human and pig liver models using GC/MS and LC/MS analyses
  104. A new phenyl alkyl ester and a new combretin triterpene derivative from Combretum fragrans F. Hoffm (Combretaceae) and antiproliferative activity
  105. Erratum
  106. Erratum to: A one-step incubation ELISA kit for rapid determination of dibutyl phthalate in water, beverage and liquor
  107. Review Articles
  108. Sinoporphyrin sodium, a novel sensitizer for photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy
  109. Natural products isolated from Casimiroa
  110. Plant description, phytochemical constituents and bioactivities of Syzygium genus: A review
  111. Evaluation of elastomeric heat shielding materials as insulators for solid propellant rocket motors: A short review
  112. Special Issue on Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology 2019
  113. An overview of Monascus fermentation processes for monacolin K production
  114. Study on online soft sensor method of total sugar content in chlorotetracycline fermentation tank
  115. Studies on the Anti-Gouty Arthritis and Anti-hyperuricemia Properties of Astilbin in Animal Models
  116. Effects of organic fertilizer on water use, photosynthetic characteristics, and fruit quality of pear jujube in northern Shaanxi
  117. Characteristics of the root exudate release system of typical plants in plateau lakeside wetland under phosphorus stress conditions
  118. Characterization of soil water by the means of hydrogen and oxygen isotope ratio at dry-wet season under different soil layers in the dry-hot valley of Jinsha River
  119. Composition and diurnal variation of floral scent emission in Rosa rugosa Thunb. and Tulipa gesneriana L.
  120. Preparation of a novel ginkgolide B niosomal composite drug
  121. The degradation, biodegradability and toxicity evaluation of sulfamethazine antibiotics by gamma radiation
  122. Special issue on Monitoring, Risk Assessment and Sustainable Management for the Exposure to Environmental Toxins
  123. Insight into the cadmium and zinc binding potential of humic acids derived from composts by EEM spectra combined with PARAFAC analysis
  124. Source apportionment of soil contamination based on multivariate receptor and robust geostatistics in a typical rural–urban area, Wuhan city, middle China
  125. Special Issue on 13th JCC 2018
  126. The Role of H2C2O4 and Na2CO3 as Precipitating Agents on The Physichochemical Properties and Photocatalytic Activity of Bismuth Oxide
  127. Preparation of magnetite-silica–cetyltrimethylammonium for phenol removal based on adsolubilization
  128. Topical Issue on Agriculture
  129. Size-dependent growth kinetics of struvite crystals in wastewater with calcium ions
  130. The effect of silica-calcite sedimentary rock contained in the chicken broiler diet on the overall quality of chicken muscles
  131. Physicochemical properties of selected herbicidal products containing nicosulfuron as an active ingredient
  132. Lycopene in tomatoes and tomato products
  133. Fluorescence in the assessment of the share of a key component in the mixing of feed
  134. Sulfur application alleviates chromium stress in maize and wheat
  135. Effectiveness of removal of sulphur compounds from the air after 3 years of biofiltration with a mixture of compost soil, peat, coconut fibre and oak bark
  136. Special Issue on the 4th Green Chemistry 2018
  137. Study and fire test of banana fibre reinforced composites with flame retardance properties
  138. Special Issue on the International conference CosCI 2018
  139. Disintegration, In vitro Dissolution, and Drug Release Kinetics Profiles of k-Carrageenan-based Nutraceutical Hard-shell Capsules Containing Salicylamide
  140. Synthesis of amorphous aluminosilicate from impure Indonesian kaolin
  141. Special Issue on the International Conf on Science, Applied Science, Teaching and Education 2019
  142. Functionalization of Congo red dye as a light harvester on solar cell
  143. The effect of nitrite food preservatives added to se’i meat on the expression of wild-type p53 protein
  144. Biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of scaffold porous composite collagen–hydroxyapatite based coral for bone regeneration
  145. Special Issue on the Joint Science Congress of Materials and Polymers (ISCMP 2019)
  146. Effect of natural boron mineral use on the essential oil ratio and components of Musk Sage (Salvia sclarea L.)
  147. A theoretical and experimental study of the adsorptive removal of hexavalent chromium ions using graphene oxide as an adsorbent
  148. A study on the bacterial adhesion of Streptococcus mutans in various dental ceramics: In vitro study
  149. Corrosion study of copper in aqueous sulfuric acid solution in the presence of (2E,5E)-2,5-dibenzylidenecyclopentanone and (2E,5E)-bis[(4-dimethylamino)benzylidene]cyclopentanone: Experimental and theoretical study
  150. Special Issue on Chemistry Today for Tomorrow 2019
  151. Diabetes mellitus type 2: Exploratory data analysis based on clinical reading
  152. Multivariate analysis for the classification of copper–lead and copper–zinc glasses
  153. Special Issue on Advances in Chemistry and Polymers
  154. The spatial and temporal distribution of cationic and anionic radicals in early embryo implantation
  155. Special Issue on 3rd IC3PE 2020
  156. Magnetic iron oxide/clay nanocomposites for adsorption and catalytic oxidation in water treatment applications
  157. Special Issue on IC3PE 2018/2019 Conference
  158. Exergy analysis of conventional and hydrothermal liquefaction–esterification processes of microalgae for biodiesel production
  159. Advancing biodiesel production from microalgae Spirulina sp. by a simultaneous extraction–transesterification process using palm oil as a co-solvent of methanol
  160. Topical Issue on Applications of Mathematics in Chemistry
  161. Omega and the related counting polynomials of some chemical structures
  162. M-polynomial and topological indices of zigzag edge coronoid fused by starphene
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