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image of Laccaic Acid A: A Natural Anthraquinone with Potent Anticancer Activity against MDA-MB-231 Cells

Abstract

Background/Aim

This study aims to isolate and evaluate the anticancer potential of laccaic acids from lac dye by utilizing polarity-based fractionation and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Methods

In this study, polarity-based fractionation of lac dye was performed to isolate its constituents. A novel HPLC method was developed for the chromatographic separation of lac dye components, utilizing gradient elution with two solvents: 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in LCMS-grade water (A) and 90:10 acetonitrile HPLC-grade (B) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. This method facilitated the isolation of four key constituents: laccaic acid D, laccaic acid B, laccaic acid C, and laccaic acid A.

Results

The purity of these compounds was confirmed LCMS methods. The anticancer activity of the isolated constituents was evaluated against the MDA-MB-231 cell line using the MTT assay. Notably, laccaic acid A demonstrated significant anticancer activity with an IC value of less than 100 nM, comparable to that of Adriamycin. Further investigations into the apoptotic activity of laccaic acid A were conducted using flow cytometry, revealing that laccaic acid A is a non-necrotic and apoptotic inducer. Additionally, considering that an effective anticancer agent may also exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-angiogenesis properties, the isolated laccaic acids were accessed for these biological activities.

Conclusion

The results were promising, indicating that laccaic acids could offer a multifaceted approach to cancer treatment. This study highlights the potential of laccaic acids as valuable candidates for anticancer therapy and warrants further investigation into their mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy.

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2025-04-04
2025-09-13

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Laccaic Acid A: A Natural Anthraquinone with Potent Anticancer Activity against MDA-MB-231 Cells
Bentham Science Publishers ; https://doi.org/10.2174/0115680266338478250314231400
/content/journals/ctmc/10.2174/0115680266338478250314231400
/content/journals/ctmc/10.2174/0115680266338478250314231400
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  • Article Type:     Research Article
Keywords: Laccaic acids ; MTT assay ; DPPH assay ; cam assay ; cell apoptosis assay

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