article · Molecules
Triterpenes extracted and isolated from argan pulp exhibit cytotoxic activity against several cancer cell lines. Extraction of unsaponifiable lipids yielded distinct fractions, notably a multi-compound triterpene mixture and a fraction containing erythrodiol. Laboratory testing demonstrated that both fractions inhibited the growth of liver, breast, and cervical cancer cells, with the erythrodiol fraction displaying greater potency across all three lines. Detailed cellular analysis indicated that the erythrodiol fraction induced concentration-dependent programmed cell death in liver cancer cells while causing minimal tissue necrosis. In computational evaluations, these compounds demonstrated favourable drug-like profiles, low predicted toxicity, and strong binding potential to specific cancer-associated target proteins such as BCL-2, estrogen receptor alpha, and HPV16 E6.
Argan fruit processing generates agricultural residues that may hold unrecognised medical value. Discovering that specific compounds within argan pulp can selectively kill cancer cells highlights the potential of plant by-products as starting points for new drug discovery, helping researchers identify safer therapeutic leads derived from natural agricultural sources.
This research is at an early, laboratory-based discovery stage, limited to in vitro cell assays and computer modelling. It could eventually interest pharmaceutical developers and bioprospecting firms looking for natural oncology drug leads or functional bio-extracts. Substantial further work, including in vivo efficacy testing, toxicology, and formulation development, is required before any commercial application or clinical development can be pursued.
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This study focuses on the isolation, characterization, and evaluation of cytotoxicity of triterpenes extracted from argan pulp. The unsaponifiable lipids extracted from argan pulp are separated into five fractions, two of which are triterpene fractions F2 (composed of α-amyrin, β-amyrin, lupeol, ψ-taraxasterol, taraxasterol) and F4 (erythrodiol). The extraction process utilized solvent-based methods followed by purification through column chromatography. Structural elucidation was carried out using GC-MS and NMR techniques. The cytotoxic activity of the fractions was evaluated against HepG2, MCF-7, and HeLa cell lines. Fraction F4 exhibited IC50 values of 45.58, 71.24, and 98.80 µg/mL, respectively, while fraction F2 showed IC50 values of 122.6, 167.8, and 212.7 µg/mL. Annexin V–FITC/PI flow-cytometry analysis was performed on HepG2 cancer cells and THLE-2 non-tumor cells treated with F4. The results showed a concentration-dependent increase in apoptosis in HepG2 cells, with minimal necrosis. To complement the experimental results, computational analyses were performed to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties. The triterpenes showed favorable drug-like characteristics and low predicted toxicity. Molecular docking revealed strong interactions with key cancer-related targets, including BCL-2, estrogen receptor α, and HPV16 E6.
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DOI: 10.3390/molecules31173011
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