Proteins from Mirabilis Jalapa Possess Anticancer Activity via an Apoptotic Pathway

Abstract

Mirabilis jalapa is a flowering plant cultivated in many areas of Thailand. The proteins purified from this plant species show several biological activities including antibacterial, antiviral and immune stimulating properties. In this study, the proteins which were partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, were investigated to determine the mechanisms of anticancer and cytotoxic effects. SDS-PAGE showed two major proteins at 27 kDa and 62.5 kDa in size. The cytotoxicity test on brine shrimp exhibited an LD50 of 95.50-489.78 μg/ml at 24 and 48 hours. In addition, the experiment testing these proteins on vero cells indicated its potent anticancer activity through apoptotic pathway. Its activity was confirmed by DNA fragmentation and cell morphology change methods.