Maytenus ovatus (schweinf.) An African Medicinal Plant Yielding Potential Anti-cancer Drugs
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 7
Abstract
Maytenus ovatus (Schweinf.) of the family Celastraceous is a shrub usually spiny with whitish flowers bearing reddish fruits and is widespread in the savannah regions of tropical Africa [1]. Mountains and sub-mountainous regions of African countries, viz., Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique and others are wild habitats for the species, Maytenus ovatus, M. serratus, M. heterophylla and M. senegalensis [2]. Maytansine, a benzo-ansamacrolide (ansamycin antibiotic) is a highly potent microtubuletargeted compound that induces mitotic arrest and kills tumor cells at sub-nano-molar concentrations was originally isolated from the Ethiopian shrub, Maytenus ovatus. Maytansine binds to tubulin at the rhizoxin binding site. It inhibits microtubule assembly, induces microtubule disassembly, and disrupts mitosis. Maytansine exhibits cytotoxicity against many tumor cell lines and also inhibit tumor growth in vivo [3]. Since the discovery of Maytansine from Maytenus ovatus in 1972 as a potent cytotoxic agent, further 53 more maytansinoids have been identified from wild plants, microorganisms and mosses [4].
Authors and Affiliations
Vasantha kumar K, Sumesh Kumar S, Tsegay Shimelis
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP572651
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2017.01.000571
- Views 198
- Downloads 0
Uric Acid in Heart Failure: Controversy Factor in The Multiple Pathogenesis of The Disease
The majority of individuals with traditional cardiovascular risk factors contributing in heart failure (HF) risk exhibited increased serum levels of uric acid. The role of SUA in HF manifestation appears to be controvers...
Cerebral Metastases as First Clinical Manifestation of Ovarian/Fallopian Tube Carcinoma
Cerebral metastases from ovarian/fallopian tube carcinoma, rare and highly dismal events, develop usually in patients with prolonged survival. There are only several reports on cancers in which brain involvements are pre...
The key Features expected from a Perfect Bioactive Glass–How Far we still are from an Ideal Composition?
The research efforts are often driven by real needs for new or better materials, processes or systems that do not satisfactorily fulfil the expected/desired roles or functions. The discovery of bioactive glasses...
A Research Note on the Treatment of Naturally Induced Gangrenous Dermatitis in Chickens by Copper Sulfate
The disease condition known as gangrenous dermatitis, avian malignant edema, necrotic dermatitis, gangrenous cellulites or gangrenous dermatomyositis has been described by many investigators [1,2]. Gangrenous dermatitis...
Antibacterial Potential of Argemone mexicana Solvent Extracts against Neisseria
Introduction: Gonorrhea is a sexual transmitted infection which is caused by Gram negative bacteria called Neisseria gonorrhoea (gonococcus). N. gonorrhoea is inherently susceptible to most antibiotics, but through conti...