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Strychnos nux-vomica Root Extract Induces Apoptosis in the Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line—U266B1

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Abstract

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable B cell neoplasm causing significant morbidity and mortality. Despite recent advances in the MM-treatment, the disease still remains incurable; necessitating a search for new therapeutic agents. Therefore, Strychnos nux-vomica L. root extract (SN) was screened using the human MM-cell line, U266B1. SN-extract demonstrated anti-proliferative effect in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Morphological studies, cell cycle analysis by FACS indicate apoptosis. Furthermore, assessment of signaling molecules like IL-6 (interleukin-6) and CD-138 (Sydencan-1) confirmed apoptosis. The anti-proliferative activity of SN-extract is associated with apoptosis, which is likely due to the presence of alkaloids, strychnine and brucine, which have been identified by MALDI-TOF-MS and RP-HPLC analysis

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Acknowledgments

Thanks are due to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, officers of the Andhra Pradesh forest Department (India) for giving us permission to collect plant samples from reserve forest divisions (ref. 15698/02/U2). PSR wishes to acknowledge Prof. M Ramanadham (Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Hyderabad) for his critical guidance, valuable suggestions and also providing access to the cell culture facility. PSR thankfully acknowledges the award of the research fellowship by the “UGC University with potential for excellence.” Part of the work received financial support from the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, New Delhi (to MNVP vide ref. BT/PR2273/PBD/17/117/2000) and the Ministry of Environment and Forest, GOI ref No.10/03/2003-CS/BG.

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  1. Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Department of Plant Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, 500046, India

    Pasupuleti Sreenivasa Rao & Majeti Narsimha Vara Prasad

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  1. Pasupuleti Sreenivasa Rao
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  2. Majeti Narsimha Vara Prasad
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Correspondence to Pasupuleti Sreenivasa Rao.

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Rao, P.S., Prasad, M.N.V. Strychnos nux-vomica Root Extract Induces Apoptosis in the Human Multiple Myeloma Cell Line—U266B1. Cell Biochem Biophys 66, 443–450 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-012-9492-5

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