Phytonutraceutical Value of Buro Bitoon: A Cancer Chemopreventive and Anti-Inflammatory Agent

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality worldwide. Over 10 million new patients are diagnosed with cancer annually with over 6 million associated deaths, representing roughly 12 percent of worldwide mortality. The occurrence of new cancer cases is expected to grow by about 70 percent over the next two decades and estimated to reach over 15 million new cases diagnosed annually by the year 2020. This study investigated the anti-angiogenic, cytotoxic activity, anti-inflammatory property, and antioxidative property of Barringtonia asiatica (Buro bitoon). Ethanolic extracts of Barringtonia asiatica fruit and leaves were subjected to phytochemical screening and qualitative chemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, phenols, and tannins. Test for angiogenesis revealed a strong pro-angiogenic property of ethanolic extract at 1000 mg and 500 mg. Median lethal concentrations were found to be 147.91 and 338.84 for the leaves and the seeds, respectively. LC50 of the extracts were higher than the 20 microgram per milliliter limit, this implies that the extract can have minimal toxicity toward human body cells. Leaves and seed extracts of Barringtonia asiatica have demonstrated anti- inflammatory properties comparable to the positive control which suggests that it has potential to act as an alternative anti-inflammatory agent. Evaluation for antioxidant property of the leaf extract exhibits an IC50 value of 379.6 µg/ml while the seed extract exhibits an IC50 value of 363.58 µg/ml. Results demonstrated the bioactive property of the Barringtonia asiatica can be a possible natural chemotherapeutic drug in battling cancer which can serve for future pharmacological use.