The in vitro Pro-apoptotic Properties of Galenia africana on Human Breast and Oesophageal Carcinoma Cell Lines

Abstract

Galenia africana L. var. africana., generally known as "kraalbos," is a shrub predominately found throughout the succulent Karoo Biome of South Africa. It is known for its many anecdotal health benefits, and studies have shown that it does indeed have numerous antifungal and antibacterial activities. Pinocembrin, a polyphenol found in G. africana has demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant and vasorelaxative properties. The flavonoid, naringenin, also present in G. africana, is known for its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Since both naringenin and pinocembrin demonstrated their ability to provide physiological benefits against free radicals and since cancer initiation and progression has been linked to oxidative stress, it is plausible that G. africana extract may possess anti-cancer properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of G. africana aqueous extracts and selected polyphenols, pinocembrin and naringenin on human breast (MCF -7) and oesophageal (WHC05) carcinoma at 24 and 48 hrs. The objectives included (i) determining whether G. africana and its selected compounds could induce apoptosis, (ii) assess whether the flavonoids could promote synergistic pro-apoptotic effects by combining various ratios of the compounds and (iii) compare the effect of G. africana and selected compounds on various cell types.