Cytotoxic and Antiproliferative Effects of Diarylheptanoids Isolated from Curcuma comosa Rhizomes on Leukaemic Cells

Abstract

<i>Curcuma comosa</i> belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. In this study, two natural compounds were isolated from <i>C. comosa</i>, and their structures were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance. The isolated compounds were identified as 7-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-hydroxy-1-phenyl-(1<i>E</i>)-1-heptene (<b>1</b>) and <i>trans</i>-1,7-diphenyl-5-hydroxy-1-heptene (<b>2</b>). Compound <b>1</b> showed the strongest cytotoxicity effect against HL-60 cells, while its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were stronger than those of compound <b>2</b>. Compound <b>1</b> proved to be a potent antioxidant, compared to ascorbic acid. Neither compounds had any effect on red blood cell haemolysis. Furthermore, compound <b>1</b> significantly decreased Wilms' tumour 1 protein expression and cell proliferation in KG-1a cells. Compound <b>1</b> decreased the WT1 protein levels in a time- and dose- dependent manner. Compound <b>1</b> suppressed cell cycle at the S phase. In conclusion, compound <b>1</b> has a promising chemotherapeutic potential against leukaemia.