Antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on malignant melanoma cells of essential oils from the aerial parts of Genista sessilifolia and G. tinctoria.
Genista species (family Leguminosae) show interesting biological properties. In this paper we describe the biological activity of the essential oils extracted from the aerial parts of G. sessilifolia DC. and G. tinctoria L. against M14 human melanoma cells, testing several biochemical parameters, such as cell vitality, cell membrane integrity and genomic DNA fragmentation. In addition, we report for the first time the study of the composition of the essential oil obtained from G. tinctoria. The most abundant components of the oil were carbonylic compounds such as (E)-beta-ionone (9.1%), dihydroactinidiolide (7.3%), nonanal (5.1%) and hexahydrofarnesylacetone (4.3%). The essential oils from aerial parts of both G. sessilifolia and G. tinctoria showed interesting potential anticancer activity, suggesting the presence of active compounds.
Rigano
Daniela
D
Department of Chemistry of Natural Compounds, University of Naples "Federico II", Via D. Montesano, 49, I-80131 Naples, Italy.
Russo
Alessandra
A
Formisano
Carmen
C
Cardile
Venera
V
Senatore
Felice
F
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D039761:Genista / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D009822:Oils, Volatile