title: Effect of Uncaria tomentosa Extract on Apoptosis Triggered by Oxaliplatin Exposure on HT29 Cells.
abstract: Background/Aim. The use of herbal products as a supplement to minimize the effects of chemotherapy for cancer treatment requires further attention with respect to the activity and toxicity of chemotherapy. Uncaria tomentosa extract, which contains oxindole alkaloids, is one of these herbal products. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether Uncaria tomentosa extract modulates apoptosis induced by chemotherapy exposure. Materials and Methods. Colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT29 cells) were grown in the presence of oxaliplatin and/or Uncaria tomentosa extract. Results. The hydroalcoholic extract of Uncaria tomentosa enhanced chemotherapy-induced apoptosis, with an increase in the percentage of Annexin positive cells, an increase in caspase activities, and an increase of DNA fragments in culture of the neoplastic cells. Moreover, antioxidant activity may be related to apoptosis. Conclusion. Uncaria tomentosa extract has a role for cancer patients as a complementary therapy. Further studies evaluating these beneficial effects with other chemotherapy drugs are recommended.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Santa Maria, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, Prédio 20, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil ; Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Liliane Z
authors.initials: LZ
authors.lastname: de Oliveira
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Santa Maria, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, Prédio 20, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Iria Luiza G
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Farias
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Melânia L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Rigo
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Werner G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Glanzner
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Biotechnology and Animal Reproduction, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Paulo Bayard D
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Gonçalves
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Toxicology, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Francine C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Cadoná
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Toxicology, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ivana B
authors.initials: IB
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Agronomy, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Júlia G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Farias
authors.affiliation: Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), BR 287, Km 252, 97020-001 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Marta M M F
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.affiliation: Herbarium Laboratório Botânico Ltda., Avenida Santos Dumont 1100, 83403-500 Colombo, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Luzia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.affiliation: Herbarium Laboratório Botânico Ltda., Avenida Santos Dumont 1100, 83403-500 Colombo, PR, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gustavo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bertol
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Toxicology, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elisangela
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Colpo
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Santa Maria, Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Avenida Roraima, Prédio 20, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patricia C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Brites
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Biochemistry and Toxicology, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: João Batista T
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Rocha
authors.affiliation: Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, UFSM, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniela B R
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Leal