The cytotoxic principle of Bejaria resinosa from Ecuador

Abstract

Bejaria resinosa Mutis ex LF is also known as “pena de cerro” and is a plant species used traditionally by the Saraguro ethnic group in Ecuador to treat nervous system problems, swollen wounds and inflammations of the genital organs, as well liver diseases and cancer. The aim of this study was to screen Bejaria resinosa aqueous extract and isolated compounds from organic extracts, for activity against the following cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (breast carcinoma), PC-3 (prostate carcinoma), RKO (colon carcinoma), and D-384 (astrocytoma). This was followed by identification of the compounds responsible for this effect. The results indicated that ursolic acid is the principle active responsible for the cytotoxicity on tumor cells.