US EPA

7741255 

Journal Article 

Leaf extract from Cassia alata L. ("Akapulko") induces quinone reductase and competes for estrogen receptor binding indicating cancer chemopreventive property 

Jacinto, SD; Olarte, EI; Galvez, M; Villasenor, IM; Pezzuto, JM 

2005 

0 

Philippine Agriculturist
ISSN: 0031-7454 

UNIV PHILIPPINES LOS BANOS 

LAGUNA 

88 

2 

175-178 

English 

WOS:000230408400005 

Hexane extract from the leaves of akapulko (Cassia alata L.) was tested for its chemopreventive properties using the quinone reductase and the estrogen binding assays. The quinone reductase assay determines the ability of an extract to induce the production of quinone reductase, a Phase II enzyme that helps to inactivate carcinogenic compounds in vivo. The estrogen binding assay determines if a substance can compete with estrogen for binding with its target cells preventing its proliferative influence. This study demonstrated that a hexane fraction from C. alata L. leaf extract induced the activity of quinone reductase and was a competitor for estrogen receptor (ER) β. In a related assay using Ishikawa endometrial cells, the estrogenic property of the extract was confirmed but like known phytoestrogens, the estrogenic activity is much weaker than that of estradiol. In an attempt to determine if the extract also has antioxidant properties like established phytoestrogens, the C. alata L. hexane fraction was also assayed for free radical scavenging activity. Results indicated that the extracts did not have free radical scavenging property. 

Cassia alata L.; Ishikawa cells; chemoprevention; quinone reductase